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

Should you visit Boise or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Boise or Halifax? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Boise travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Boise and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Boise or Halifax?

You'll generally find more things to do in Halifax than Boise. Halifax is bigger than Boise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Halifax is more touristy than Boise and is known for its maritime past. Also, Halifax is famous for the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Boise different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boise
Halifax

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Halifax and Boise.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boise. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.


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

Boise
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Halifax is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Boise or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Boise
Halifax

Both Boise and Halifax have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Boise. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

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 the Shopping Better in Boise or Halifax?

Boise
Halifax

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Boise and Halifax.

Boise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Halifax is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.


Is Boise or Halifax Better for Families?

Boise
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Halifax is a family-friendly city. 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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Boise or Halifax Better for Couples?

Boise
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

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

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Boise or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boise
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.


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

Boise
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Boise is lacking in options for its public transit.

Halifax has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Boise or Halifax a more walkable city?

Boise
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Boise?

How long in Boise or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boise and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Halifax than in Boise. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Boise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Boise 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 Halifax.


  • How many days in Boise or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boise 1-2 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Boise or Halifax?

In Boise, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Halifax, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Boise or Halifax?

In Boise, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boise has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boise or Halifax?

Boise is a great place to explore. 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.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Halifax. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Boise or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boise. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Boise. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Boise?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Boise Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boise $179
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Boise is $179, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $137. 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 Boise and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boise $75
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boise $150
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Boise and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Boise or Halifax? 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 Boise


Hotels in Halifax


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: Boise Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boise $34
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Boise or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Boise 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
    Boise $78
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

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

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boise $30
    Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

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


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

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

  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Boise River: Guided Rafting, Swimming, and Wildlife Tour: $68
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Boise's Best Brunch Experience: $152
  • Culinary and Cultural Tour of Boise: $152
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Tours and Activities in Halifax

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

  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • From Peggy's Cove Bus Tour: $75
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $151
  • Halifax Guided Driving Tour with Sunset at Peggy’s Cove: $64
  • Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $92
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Tour: $94
  • 2-Hour Sea-Doo Sightseeing Tour: $254
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Georges Island Kayak Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boise $24
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $168
  • The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $206


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boise and Halifax, we can see that Boise 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 Boise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boise 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 Boise Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boise or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the sizes of Boise 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.