A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hofn vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Hofn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is $169. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Mont-Saint-Michel $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Mont-Saint-Michel $150
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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 Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Mont-Saint-Michel $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 $36
    Mont-Saint-Michel $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Mont-Saint-Michel $33

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: $129
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
  • Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $282
  • Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $289

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $260
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $163
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $273
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Mont-Saint-Michel $8.51


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Hofn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hofn is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the winter. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Mont-Saint-Michel. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Hofn

Hofn Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)