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

Should you visit Hofn or Aberdeen?

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

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

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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a commercial city on the East coast of Scotland, rich in culture and Medieval history. Known primarily for their oil, gas and fishing industries, Aberdeen combines both quaint accommodations with modern shops and restaurants. This city provides a taste of everything Scottish: from their traditional restaurants, to the architecture dating back over 300 years, and their pristine golf course.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Aberdeen or Hofn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hofn Prices
    Iceland Prices
    Aberdeen Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hofn $207
    Aberdeen $200

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in Aberdeen is $200. 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 Aberdeen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $113
    Aberdeen $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $226
    Aberdeen $176
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Aberdeen

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Aberdeen? 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 Aberdeen


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 Aberdeen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    Aberdeen $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Aberdeen?

Prices for flights to both Aberdeen 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
    Aberdeen $82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aberdeen

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

  • City Walking and Food Tour: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    Aberdeen $26

Tours and Activities in Hofn

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

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

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

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

  • 2 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen: $191
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Aberdeen - Private North East Coastal Tour: $829
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $19
  • Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour: $120
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $67
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $20
  • Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore Tour: $115
  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Bullers of Buchan Puffin Watching Tour: $424
  • City Center and Old Aberdeen Walking Tour: $94
  • Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    Aberdeen $4.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $47
  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $48
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $189
  • Aberdeen, Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group Day Tour: $433


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and Aberdeen, 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 Aberdeen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Aberdeen, 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 Aberdeen?

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 Aberdeen in the Summer?

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

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Aberdeen. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Aberdeen. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. Hofn is much colder than Aberdeen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Aberdeen. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Aberdeen in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Aberdeen in the winter. The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Aberdeen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Aberdeen. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Aberdeen in the Spring?

Both Aberdeen and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Aberdeen. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Hofn

Hofn Aberdeen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)