Halifax is a historical city known for its maritime past. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Halifax?
You should plan to spend around $135 (CA$188) per day on your vacation in Halifax. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (CA$74) on meals
- $17 (CA$23) on local transportation
- $129 (CA$179) on hotels
A one week trip to Halifax for two people costs, on average, $1,889 (CA$2,632). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$945
CA$1,316
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,889
CA$2,632
-
One Month
Per person
$4,048
CA$5,640
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,889
CA$2,632
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,778
CA$5,264
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,097
CA$11,280
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Halifax cost?
A one week trip to Halifax usually costs around $945 (CA$1,316) for one person and $1,889 (CA$2,632) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Halifax on average costs around $1,889 (CA$2,632) for one person and $3,778 (CA$5,264) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Halifax will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Halifax on average costs around $4,048 (CA$5,640) for one person and $8,097 (CA$11,280) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Halifax expensive to visit?
Halifax is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Halifax can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $56 (CA$78) per day, mid-range travelers spend $135 (CA$188) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $301 (CA$420) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Halifax.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Halifax is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Halifax Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Halifax?
The average Halifax trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Halifax travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Halifax cost?
Halifax on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$26
(CA$36)
|
$64
(CA$90)
|
$152
(CA$212)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(CA$10)
|
$17
(CA$23)
|
$30
(CA$42)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(CA$31)
|
$53
(CA$74)
|
$114
(CA$158)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
(CA$17)
|
$28
(CA$39)
|
$54
(CA$75)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(CA$4-13)
|
$7-22
(CA$10-30)
|
$13-40
(CA$18-55)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Halifax is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Halifax on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $56 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Halifax is home to plenty of hostels, including Halifax Backpackers and Halifax Backpackers Beachhouse. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Halifax often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $135 per person, per day.
Halifax offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. The Prince George Hotel is an excellent choice, while The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Halifax.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $301 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Halifax
Hotel prices in Halifax can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $164 up to around $306. From $116 for budget options to $472 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Halifax for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129 (CA$179). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $64 (CA$90) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Halifax? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Halifax include:
- The Prince George Hotel starting at $251
- The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites starting at $233
- Chateau Bedford Trademark Collection by Wyndham starting at $143
- Future Inns Halifax Hotel & Conference Centre starting at $127
- Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax starting at $157
Halifax has a good public transit that lets you stay outside the city to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Halifax
Halifax has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.
Halifax offers a fairly walkable experience in some areas, simplifying your sightseeing adventures. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $17 (CA$23) per person, per day, on local transportation in Halifax. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Halifax is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
CA$23
Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer for $33 details
- Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer for $33 details
- Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax for $35 details
How much does it cost to go to Halifax? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Halifax will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Halifax
The food scene in Halifax is solid, but it's not usually the main tourist attraction. However, there are some charming eateries in the city that you should check out. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Halifax can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Halifax is $53 (CA$74) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
CA$74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Halifax is around $53 (CA$74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $114. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Halifax are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Halifax, and Nova Scotia as a whole, is so rich in diversity, there's no real cultural cuisine. Most restaurants you'll find here will serve a menu full of seafood. You'll particularly want to sample the mussels and scallops. If you see the "sea pie," fish and chips or seafood chowder offered, it's a safe bet that those are going to be delicious.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Halifax, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner for $155 details
Food and meal prices in Halifax, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
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Bluenose II Restaurant
CA$61
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Halifax
Tourists can't resist Halifax, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Halifax typically cost an average of $28 (CA$39) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
CA$39
Any sea lover will love simply wandering around Halifax. If you're looking for specific attractions, however, you may want to start with the Halifax Citadel. Located on top Citadel Hill, this star fort is a Canadian National Heritage Site. It gives visitors the best view of the Halifax Harbor, and has daily reenactments from guides in period costumes – complete with a ceremonial cannon fired everyday at noon.
Try to trace your ancestry at Pier 21. Recently renamed the National Immigration Museum, this is Canada's equivalent of New York's Ellis Island. This spot once processed over one million immigrants, and today it is a museum with detailed exhibits on Canadian immigration history.
For a touch more nautical history, head over to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Located on the waterfront the museum includes exhibits about the sinking of the Titanic and the 1917 Halifax explosion. You can also get a close up look at the hydrographic survey ship built in 1913, the CSS Acadia.
For a quiet but entertaining stroll through Halifax, visit the waterfront. This boardwalk is full of shops, restaurants and other entertainment like Theodore Tugboat, a WWII Corvette and other interesting ships along the harbor.
If you're up for a little more adventure, rent a canoe and sail up the Northwest Arm. Along this route you'll see the historic Dingle Tower in Flemming Park. Watch the sailboats and regattas float past you, and just try to take your eyes off the stunning mansions that line the coast. If you're feeling super daring, canoe all the way up to Point Pleasant Park. This is where the Northwest Arm meets the Halifax Harbor. While it may be tempting to take a dip, it's not recommended. The sewage treatment plants aren't always operational, so swimming may lead to serious illness.
Another day trip involves hopping on the McNabs Island Ferry to sail out to the massive island in Halifax Harbor. This expansive land is full of sand and cobblestone shores, salt marshes, abandoned military forts and mysterious forests. As soon as you arrived, your guides will provide you with maps of roads and trails for hiking and biking. Camping is also an option if you contact the Department of Natural Resources.
Halifax has several boat tours operating from the harbor. These tours include nature and whale watching, deep sea fishing, historical guides and dinner cruises.
A nice way to explore destinations in Halifax is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour for $5 details
- Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and Annapolis Valley Tour for $155 details
- Explore Halifax with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours for $13 details
Nightlife Budget in Halifax
If you're looking for nightlife, Halifax has some options, but it's less active than in other more popular locales. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (CA$20) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Halifax per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
CA$20
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Traveling in Halifax
Old Town Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
The quaint and charming coastal town of Halifax, Nova Scotia has an interesting personality. While it caters to travelers from all over the world, it maintains the pace and lifestyle of a small town.
Steeped in maritime history, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and one of the world's greatest natural harbors. This busy seaport serves as the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.
When planning your trip keep in mind that this city has a climate like other coastal cities. Summers are nice with the occasional humidity. Winters are mild, but still full of snow and wind. The best time of year to visit is most certainly the fall.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.