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

Should you visit Kyoto or Hofn?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Hofn can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Kyoto or Hofn?

Kyoto

Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.

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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Hofn or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto is $118, 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 Kyoto and Hofn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kyoto $66
    Hofn $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kyoto $132
    Hofn $226
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Hofn

Looking for a hotel in Kyoto 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 Kyoto


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: Kyoto Hotel Prices and Hofn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kyoto $7.82
    Hofn $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
  • Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $132
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $115
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $108
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $83
  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Hofn?

Prices for flights to both Hofn and Kyoto 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
    Kyoto $43
    Hofn $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

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

  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $55
  • 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
  • Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $75
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $75
  • Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $76
  • Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $76
  • Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $76
  • Nishiki Market Walking Food Tour with Local guide: $83
  • Private Japanese Home Cooking Class in Kyoto with Michiyo: $86
  • Japanese 'Bento' cooking class in Kyoto: $89
  • Experience 'IZAKAYA' food cooking class in Kyoto: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kyoto $13
    Hofn $20

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $160
  • Kyoto Private Tour with National Licensed Guide : $240
  • Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $59
  • Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $139
  • Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
  • 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $153
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
  • 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people): $188
  • 160 Years Authentic Seated Archery Experience in Kyoto: $103
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack: $35
  • 3 Hour Vegan Walking Tour with Lunch: $139
  • 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $89

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kyoto $13
    Hofn $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $42
  • Kyoto Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $65
  • Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit : $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Hofn, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia 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 Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

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


Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Hofn?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 860 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Hofn?

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 Kyoto or Hofn in the Summer?

Both Hofn and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kyoto is much warmer than Hofn in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hofn fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Hofn. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F) 
    Hofn 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Hofn in the Autumn?

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

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In the autumn, Kyoto is much warmer than Hofn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Hofn averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Hofn. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F) 
    Hofn 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Hofn in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Hofn. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Hofn fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Hofn. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F) 
    Hofn -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Hofn in the Spring?

Both Hofn and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. Kyoto is much warmer than Hofn in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Hofn fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Hofn. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F) 
    Hofn 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Hofn and Kyoto

Kyoto Hofn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in) 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in) 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)