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

Should you visit Hofn or York?

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

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

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.

York

York, in North Yorkshire, England, is a city rich in history that dates back to before Roman times. It is an ancient cathedral city that still has some impressive historical buildings that make it easily worth a visit. It has some of the best preserved buildings and structures in all of Europe, so if you're a history buff, then this is the place to be. It is usually tied with Manchester as the second most visited city in England, after London.

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 London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, York 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 York is $132. 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 York in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    York $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    York $146
Compare Hotels in Hofn and York

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or York? 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 York


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 York Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    York $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or York?

Prices for flights to both York 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
    York $40

Typical Food Prices in York

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


  • Dinner
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

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

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    York $14

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 York

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

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    York $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and York, we can see that Hofn 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 York Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or York?

York has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and York, 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 York?

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 York in the Summer?

Both York and Hofn during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than York. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and York fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than York. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    York 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hofn or York in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and York. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. Hofn is much colder than York in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and York fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than York. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    York 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hofn or York in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hofn as well as York. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than York. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and York averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than York. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hofn or York in the Spring?

Both York and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than York. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and York fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than York. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    York 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for York and Hofn

Hofn York
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)