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

Should you visit Boston 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 Boston 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.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Boston is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Boston travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Halifax travel costs.

Boston and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boston or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston than Halifax, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Boston is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Boston different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boston is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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.

Is Boston or Halifax Better for Theater?

Boston is a very popular place for theatre. However, Halifax is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Halifax is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston 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 Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

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

Boston has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

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 Boston or Halifax Better for Music?

Boston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Boston active and fun. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Halifax is not a live music destination.

Is Boston or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Boston is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Boston or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Boston is renowned for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Boston is one of the most recognized in the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Boston or Halifax?

Both Boston and Halifax are good shopping destinations.

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Halifax. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Boston or Halifax More Beautiful?

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

Boston is a gorgeous place to visit. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boston or Halifax Better for Families?

Boston is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Boston or Halifax Better for Couples?

Boston and Halifax both good destinations for a couple.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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 Boston or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Boston and Halifax are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

Is Boston or Halifax Better for Students?

Boston is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Boston is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Boston has a great public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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.

Is Boston or Halifax a more walkable city?

Boston is renowned for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Boston?

How long in Boston or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boston and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than in Halifax. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boston, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston 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 Boston.

One day in Boston or Halifax?

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Halifax. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boston or Halifax?

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Halifax is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Boston or Halifax?

Boston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Boston or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Halifax. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Boston and Halifax, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boston or Halifax?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Boston during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Boston is a little warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boston. In the summer, Boston often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Halifax. Most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boston is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boston in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Boston usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Boston usually receives less rain than Halifax. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Boston or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boston as well as Halifax. The winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. The weather in Boston can be very cold. In January, Boston is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 29°F (-2°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Boston often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Boston usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. Boston is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. Boston usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Boston usually receives less rain than Halifax. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Boston