A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asheville vs. Halifax for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Halifax?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Asheville travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Asheville and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Halifax?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Asheville than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Asheville, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Halifax attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Asheville different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Halifax and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Halifax?

Halifax is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. 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.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Asheville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Music?

Asheville is a very popular place for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Asheville while you're in town. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Halifax is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Halifax?

Asheville is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Asheville or Halifax More Beautiful?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Families?

Asheville is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very family-friendly destination. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Couples?

Asheville is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Asheville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Halifax is a good mountain town to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Students?

Asheville is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Halifax is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Halifax Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Halifax is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Asheville or Halifax a more walkable city?

Asheville and Halifax both are nice when exploring on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable mountain town. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Halifax. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Halifax. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Halifax. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Halifax. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Halifax if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Halifax?

In Asheville, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Halifax. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Halifax?

In Asheville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Asheville has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Halifax. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Halifax?

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Halifax. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Halifax, we can see that Asheville is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Asheville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asheville than you might in Halifax.

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Halifax, 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 Asheville or Halifax?

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 Asheville or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Asheville is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the summer, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

Asheville is much warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Asheville usually receives less rain than Halifax. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Asheville during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Halifax. The natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In April, Asheville is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asheville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Halifax. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Asheville