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

Should you visit Hofn or San Juan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or San Juan, 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 San Juan?

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.

San Juan

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

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, San Juan 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 San Juan is $218. 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 San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $113
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $226
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Hofn and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or San Juan? 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 San Juan


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 San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
  • Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
  • Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
  • Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan 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
    San Juan $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan

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

  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
  • FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Hofn

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

  • 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $214
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
  • Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
  • Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
  • Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215
  • The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

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

  • Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $85
  • Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
  • Puerto Rican Food Experience: $99
  • "Exclusive Tour": VIP Rum Tasting at San Juan Artisan Distillers: $150
  • "Yo Soy de PfknR" Bad Bunny Party Bus Experience: $145
  • 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
  • 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $60
  • 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $75
  • 30-Minute Freestyle Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $100
  • ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
  • ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
  • Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
  • Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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. Even though Hofn is in Europe and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and San Juan, 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 San Juan?

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

Should I visit Hofn or San Juan in the Summer?

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

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives less rain than San Juan. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hofn or San Juan in the Autumn?

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

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

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hofn or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and San Juan. San Juan 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 San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than San Juan. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Hofn or San Juan in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Hofn

Hofn San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)