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

Should you visit Hofn or Saint Thomas?

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

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

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 Thomas

Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Hofn?

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

  • Hofn Prices
    Iceland Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hofn $201
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $201, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $110
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $220
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Saint Thomas? 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 Thomas


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 Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $30
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hofn

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

  • Private Hofn Airport Hotel Transfer: $79

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas

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

  • St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $262
  • ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $200
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $189
  • Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
  • Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton: $180
  • Vi Top Taxi and Tours Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton: $180
  • Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
  • Luxury Airport Transfer to or from St Thomas The Ritz Carlton: $175
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $174
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $71
    Saint Thomas $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas

For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $119
  • Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
  • Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
  • Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
  • St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $129
  • Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Hofn

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

  • Blue Ice Cave Exploration from Jökulsárlón (Small Group Tour): $255
  • Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón: $175
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $149
  • The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $195

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

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

  • #1 St. Thomas Ghost Tour – Virgin Island's Original Haunted Tour: $41
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
  • 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
  • 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
  • Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
  • Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
  • Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $99
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $169
  • Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
  • Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    Saint Thomas $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Hofn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hofn is in Europe and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Saint Thomas?

Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?

Hofn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hofn or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. Hofn is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint Thomas. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Hofn

Hofn Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)