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

Should you visit Petra or Hofn?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Hofn can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Hofn?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Hofn or Petra?

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 Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Hofn is $205. 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 Petra and Hofn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Hofn $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Hofn $224
Compare Hotels in Petra and Hofn

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Hofn? 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 Petra


Hotels in Hofn


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Hofn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Hofn $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
  • Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hofn

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

  • Private Hofn Airport Hotel Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Hofn?

Prices for flights to both Hofn and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Hofn $72
Typical Food Prices in Petra

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Hofn $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Exclusive Golden Hour Sunrise Tour in Petra: $150
  • From Petra : Wadi Rum Private 8 - hours roundtrip tour .: $190
  • Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trial Tour: $165
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Highlights Guided Golf Cart Tour with Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private 2-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $210
  • Private 3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $270

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: $145
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón: $176
  • The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $195
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $238
  • Blue Ice Cave Exploration from Jökulsárlón (Small Group Tour): $257

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Hofn $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Hofn?

Petra has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Hofn, 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 Petra or Hofn?

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

Should I visit Petra or Hofn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Hofn. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Hofn. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Hofn fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Petra usually gets less rain in July than Hofn. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Hofn 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hofn in the Autumn?

Both Hofn and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year.

Hofn can get quite cold in the autumn. Petra is much warmer than Hofn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Hofn fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Hofn. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Hofn 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hofn in the Winter?

Both Hofn and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Hofn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Hofn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Hofn averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in January than Hofn. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Hofn -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hofn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Hofn. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Hofn. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Hofn fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Hofn. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Hofn 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Hofn and Petra

Petra Hofn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)