A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Halifax for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Halifax 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Halifax

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

Cabo San Lucas and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Both Cabo San Lucas and Halifax have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

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 the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Cabo San Lucas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to see the historical old town. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

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

Cabo San Lucas is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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


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

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cabo San Lucas and Halifax.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

While Halifax offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Halifax. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Halifax, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Halifax. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Cabo San Lucas?

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

  • Cabo San Lucas Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cabo San Lucas $159
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $159, 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 Cabo San Lucas and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $57
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $114
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $25
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in San José del Cabo APT-HTL(SJD): $91
  • Transfer to Cabo San Lucas from Round Trip Airport: $268
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Los Cabos International Airport to Hotel: $23
  • Private transfer at VAN Airport Los Cabos - San Jose del Cabo: $85
  • Private transfer SJD Airport to San Jose del Cabo Hotels One Way: $100
  • Private Transfer to Cabo San Lucas from Cabo Airport: $210
  • Private Transfer in Los Cabos Airport to hotels or vice versa: $108
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Los Cabos 1-10px: $175
  • Private Transfer from SJD to Cabo San Lucas / San Jose del Cabo: $100
  • Private Transfer from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to Cabo San Lucas hotels : $144
  • Private Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport: $210
  • Private Transfer - Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to Cabo San Lucas Port: $100

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $80
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Authentic Mexican Legacy Cooking Class in Cabo San Lucas: $75
  • San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market: $79
  • Flavors of Authentic Mexican Food Tour: $79
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $84
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas: $95
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $95
  • Jumbo Shrimp Dinner in Your Private Villa or Condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $99
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar: $99
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Open Bar on Cabo Wave: $99
  • Sunset E-bike Beach Ride with Mexican Dinner and Margaritas: $109
  • San Jose del Cabo City Highlights with Tequila Tasting and Dinner: $110

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.
    Cabo San Lucas $39
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Beach ATV y Camel Ride y Sky Bike Adventure: $140
  • Camel Ride, UTV, and The Arch Tour with Lunch & Tequila Tasting!: $249
  • OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with unlimited Lunch & Tequila : $199
  • Platinum Snorkel Tour : $239
  • Traditional Tequila Tasting Experience with Jorge Cuervo: $87
  • "Exclusive Cabo San Lucas Trimaran Experience with Snorkeling": $180
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Adventure : $180
  • 2 Tank Tour in Cabo San Lucas Reserve, Certified Divers with MANTA: $138
  • 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $20
  • 2-Hour ATV Riding Experience in San Jose del Cabo: $110
  • 2-Hour Camel Ride Beach and Desert Adventure Experience: $120
  • 2.10 Hour Sunset Tour on Catamaran in Cabo San Lucas : $75

Tours and Activities in Halifax

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

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $16
  • Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music: $21
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Multiple Options: $29
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Party Cruise on the Harbour Queen: $42
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music: $42
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $56
  • Signature Adventure Sail: $56
  • Solar Waterfront Food/Drink Party Bike Experience: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $26
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $280

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


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.