A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hofn vs. Lyon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hofn or Lyon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Lyon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Hofn or Lyon?

Hofn

Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lyon or Hofn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in Lyon is $175. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hofn and Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $113
    Lyon $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $226
    Lyon $120
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Lyon

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Lyon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hofn


Hotels in Lyon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hofn Hotel Prices and Lyon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    Lyon $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hofn

Also for Hofn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Hofn Airport Hotel Transfer: $77

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    $5.84
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Lyon to Geneva Private Transfer Service: $288
  • Reliables Airports Transfers to Les deux Alpes: $263
  • Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $240
  • Lyon Airport (LYS) to Les Deux/La Clusaz-Arrival Private Transfer: $225
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $186
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $110
  • Departure Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $108
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $108
  • Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $108
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $108
  • Private Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $108
  • Transfers by Private Drivers Lyon St Exupery Airport to Lyon: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon and Hofn change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hofn $73
    Lyon $80

Typical Food Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    $1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • Lyon Street Food Tour: $80
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $86
  • Lyon Small-Group Food Tour with Wine & Full Meal by Do Eat Better: $96
  • Food Tour by night: $97
  • Lyon Sunset Food Tour & Wine -Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $98
  • Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 5 Authentic Dishes & Fine Wine: $99
  • Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $102
  • Local Specialties Food Tour & Wine Tasting: $103
  • Lyon Original Old Town Food Tour with Wine Tasting: $137
  • Food Tour Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Tastings: $137
  • Elegant 5-Course Rooftop Dinner with Panoramic Views of Lyon: $196
  • Croix Rousse Market & Rooftop Cooking Class in Lyon: $213

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    Lyon $23

Tours and Activities in Hofn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.

  • Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $149
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • Blue Ice Cave Exploration from Jökulsárlón (Small Group Tour): $165
  • Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón: $171
  • Glacier Kayak Adventure: $183
  • Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $195
  • The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $195
  • Full Day Blue Ice Cave Experience: $290

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $51

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $34
  • 2,000 Years of History: An Audio Tour of Vieux Lyon: $12
  • 2.5h Guided Bike Tour of Lyon Old Town with a Local Guide: $40
  • 2h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $40
  • 3 Hour Jewish Heritage Tour in Lyon: $217
  • 3 Hours Private Bike Tour in Lyon with a Guide: $187
  • 3h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $63
  • 4h Complete Lyon Experience: E-Bike, Food Tasting & Old Town Walk: $92
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $11
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $17
  • BREAKFAST EXPERIENCE : Eat and Discover the Secret Passages: $48
  • Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    Lyon $27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    $7.64
  • Bottle of Wine
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • A French moment with wine tasting and pétanque: $57
  • Lyon's Hidden Wine Tasting & Local Specialties: $102
  • Lyon Wine Tasting: Small-Group Blind Tasting with a Sommelier: $113
  • Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $113
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $113
  • Beaujolais Wine Tasting Tour from Lyon: $113
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $136
  • Lyon's Grooves & Grapes : Wine Tasting & Record Shops Tour: $149
  • Beaujolais Crus wine tour from Lyon Full day: $159
  • Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour (9:00 am to 5:15 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $183
  • Guided Day Tour and Wine Tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $194
  • Private Half Day Wine Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais: $252


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Lyon, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lyon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lyon and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn than you might in Lyon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Lyon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Hofn or Lyon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hofn or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Hofn during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Hofn is much colder than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Lyon 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Lyon. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Lyon. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Lyon 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Lyon. Additionally, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Lyon 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Lyon. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Lyon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lyon and Hofn

Hofn Lyon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)