Which place is cheaper, Zermatt or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hofn or Zermatt?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?
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.
Zermatt
Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $151Zermatt $223
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Zermatt is $223. 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 Zermatt in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $97Zermatt $126
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $194Zermatt $252
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Zermatt
Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Zermatt? 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.
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 Zermatt Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $27Zermatt $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
- Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
- Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Zermatt?
Prices for flights to both Zermatt 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
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Food Meals for one dayHofn $36Zermatt $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.
- Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $18Zermatt $56
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 Zermatt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
- Basel Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $885
- Basel: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $1,067
- Bern Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $856
- Bern Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
- Bern: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $984
- From Basel: Zermatt and Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Tour: $530
- From Bern: Zermatt Guided Tour with Matterhorn Railway Pass: $530
- From Zurich: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise Private Tour: $885
- Interlaken Private Tour to Gornergrat & Matterhorn Paradise: $1,026
- Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $843
- Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
- Majestic Hiking Private Tour in Zermatt with pick up: $1,692
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $12Zermatt $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:
- Wine Tasting in Valais: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Zermatt, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Zermatt?
Zermatt has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?
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 Zermatt in the Summer?
Both Zermatt and Hofn during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hofn usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Zermatt 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Zermatt in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Zermatt. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.
The weather in Hofn can be very cold. Hofn is much colder than Zermatt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Zermatt. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Zermatt 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Zermatt in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Zermatt. Additionally, many travelers come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. It's quite cold in Hofn in the winter. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Zermatt averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Zermatt. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Zermatt 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Zermatt in the Spring?
Both Zermatt and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In April, Hofn usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Zermatt 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Zermatt and Hofn
| Hofn | Zermatt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.