Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hofn or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Hofn Prices
Iceland PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $207Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $113Rio de Janeiro $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $226Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $31Rio de Janeiro $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
- Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
- Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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 $73Rio de Janeiro $34
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $20Rio de Janeiro $21
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 Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $13Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hofn is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3550 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro 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 Hofn or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Rio de Janeiro. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Hofn usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHofn 9°C (48°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHofn 4°C (40°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hofn can get quite cold in the winter. Hofn is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHofn -0°C (31°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Hofn can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
In April, Hofn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiroin October. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHofn 2°C (36°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Hofn
| Hofn | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.