Which place is cheaper, Hofn or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Auckland 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 Auckland and Hofn can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Hofn?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland.
-
Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesHofn Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $170Hofn $207
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Hofn is $207. 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 Auckland and Hofn in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $99Hofn $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $198Hofn $226
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Hofn
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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.
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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Hofn Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Hofn $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
-
Bus from Airport$9.47
-
Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Hobbiton Private Transfers with Group Tour: $516
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $201
- Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge : $180
- Private Airport Transfers and Tours: $168
- Private Luxury Transfer To/Fr City in Mercedes Van: $162
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Hamilton/Rotorua: $162
- Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $152
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $152
- Auckland's Point to Point Transfers : $150
- Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers : $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Hofn?
Prices for flights to both Hofn and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $46Hofn $73
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$4.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Hofn $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
-
Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour : $96
- Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR : $270
- Hobbiton Lord Of Rings Movie Set tour Private Driver : $198
- Hobbiton Movie Set Small Tour from Auckland: $249
- 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
- 4 hours Auckland Friday Night Tour : $78
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $174
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- AUCKLAND CITY Full Day Tour with War Memorial Museum and Mt Eden: $155
- Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $117
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Hofn $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Hofn, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Auckland.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Hofn Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Hofn?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Hofn?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hofn has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Auckland or Hofn in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Hofn. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
Auckland is much warmer than Hofn in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Hofn fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.
In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Hofnin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Hofn 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Hofn in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Hofn. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Hofn can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Auckland is much warmer than Hofn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Hofn averages at about 4°C (40°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Hofn. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Hofnin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Hofn 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Hofn in the Winter?
Both Hofn and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hofn can be very cold during winter. In July, Auckland is generally much warmer than Hofnin January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Hofn fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hofnin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Hofn -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Hofn in the Spring?
Both Hofn and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
The weather in Hofn can be very cold. Auckland is much warmer than Hofn in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Hofn fluctuates around 2°C (36°F)in April.
Auckland usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hofnin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Hofn 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Hofn and Auckland
| Auckland | Hofn | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 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.