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

Should you visit Hofn or New York City?

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

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

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.

New York City

The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.

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 New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, New York City 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
    New York City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hofn $207
    New York City $363

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in New York City is $363. 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 New York City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $113
    New York City $175
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $226
    New York City $350
Compare Hotels in Hofn and New York City

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or New York City? 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 New York City


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 New York City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    New York City $49

Typical Local Transportation Prices in New York City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:


  • Subway
    $4.50
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.00
  • Subway
    $2.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City

Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Empire State Building NYC Tour, Pre-booked Tickets, Transfer: $300
  • Skip the line One World Observatory Private Tour with Transfers : $296
  • Private Transfer from New York Airport (JFK) to New York Hotels : $288
  • Private Transfer from or to New York to EWR Airport or vice versa: $280
  • Airport Limousine Transfer one-way - LaGuardia Airport - Lincoln MKT: $275
  • New York City Airport Arrival Transfer by Sprinter LGA JFK EWR: $260
  • EWR, LGA, JFK Private Airport Transfer in NYC with SUV or Sedan: $252
  • Departure Private Transfer: New York to J.F. Kennedy Airport JFK in Luxury Car: $238
  • Newark Airport to Randolph City New Jersey Arrival Transfer: $215
  • New York City Airport Arrival Transfer by Limo LGA JFK EWR: $215
  • Private Transfer from Newark L Airport EWR to Manhattan by SUV: $210
  • Private EWR Airport transfer / New York City (One Way): $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or New York City?

Prices for flights to both New York City 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
    New York City $87

Typical Food Prices in New York City

For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Gelato
    $7.50
  • Snacks for Two at Yankees Game
    $34
  • Coffee
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City

For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Chinatown, Little Italy, Food Tour: $35
  • Half-Day Private Pizza Crawl in Manhattan: $41
  • Lunch & Dinner: Filet Mignon, Salad & Unlimited Fries: $41
  • Sweets and Slices Greenwich Village Walking Food Tour: $49
  • Made in Brooklyn Food Tour: $65
  • Chinatown Food Tour with a Chef in Manhattan: $75
  • Brooklyn Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $75
  • Greenwich Village Pizza Walk: $75
  • New York's Classic Eats West Village Food Tour: $75
  • New York's Classic Eats Lower East Side Food Tour: $75
  • East Village Pizza Walk: $75
  • Times Square Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    New York City $180

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in New York City

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Comedy Show Tickets
    $56
  • City Map
    $8.00
  • Broadway Musical
    $111
  • Broadway Show Program
    $10
  • Magazine
    $6.99

Tours and Activities in New York City

For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 hour Metropolitan Museum of Art Chinese Guided Tour: $103
  • 3 Hour Session at Williamsburg's Adventure Park Area 53: $42
  • Classic 1-Hour Central Park Pedicab Tour : $59
  • Harlem Bronx Brooklyn Queens Tour in 7 Hours: $65
  • Hidden Bar and Speakeasy Night Tour NYC : $36
  • #1 Rated NYC Chinatown Food and History Walking Tour with FNYT: $99
  • 1 HR - NYC Private Classic Car Experience - Downtown: $249
  • 1 HR - NYC Private Classic Car Experience - Midtown: $64
  • 1 Hour Live Interactive Driving Virtual Tour of Manhattan: $200
  • 1 Hour Morning Walking Tour in Times Square NYC: $44
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: $50
  • 1-Day New York Highlight Tour: $130

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    New York City $29

Sample the Local Flavors in New York City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:

  • Brooklyn Distillery Tour : $22
  • The Essential NYC Pub Crawl Experience: $24
  • Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • NYC Pub Crawl Tour: $30
  • #1 NYC Pub Crawl with Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $33
  • Top Shelf Distillery Tour: $33
  • Best of NYC Drag - Drag Bar Crawl with Drink: $49
  • Greenwich Village Piano Bar Crawl: $50
  • East Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl: $64
  • Underground Brooklyn Walking Brewery Tour: $99
  • New York Beer and Brewery tour: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Hofn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hofn is in Europe and New York City is in North America, 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 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 4720 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and New York City, 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 New York City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hofn or New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and New York City. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than New York City. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hofn usually receives less rain than New York City. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    New York City 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Hofn or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hofn as well as New York City. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the autumn. Hofn is much colder than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than New York City. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    New York City 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Hofn or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in New York City can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hofn is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than New York City. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    New York City 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Hofn or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Hofn during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than New York City. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Hofn usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    New York City 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for New York City and Hofn

Hofn New York City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 36°F (2°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)