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

Should you visit Hofn or Saint Andrews?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews?

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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a small town on the east coast of Scotland, facing the North Sea. It is best known as the home of golf and host to the oldest university in Scotland, University of Saint Andrews.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews is $268. 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 Saint Andrews in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Saint Andrews $145
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Saint Andrews $290
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Saint Andrews

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Saint Andrews? 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 Saint Andrews


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Saint Andrews $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Saint Andrews?

Prices for flights to both Saint Andrews 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
    Saint Andrews $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Saint Andrews $57

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: $284
  • Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $291

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

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

  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews - Watch Building Experience with Kartel Scotland: $245
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Saint Andrews $33


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Saint Andrews, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Hofn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hofn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hofn 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Hofn.

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Saint Andrews?

Saint Andrews has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews?

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 Saint Andrews in the Summer?

Both Saint Andrews and Hofn during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

Hofn is much colder than Saint Andrews in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Saint Andrews. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Saint Andrews. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Saint Andrews. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

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

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Saint Andrews. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

Both Saint Andrews and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Saint Andrews in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Hofn

Hofn Saint Andrews
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)