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

Should you visit Charleston or Halifax?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Halifax, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Charleston

Charleston is a historic, classic, and picturesque coastal town. Charleston is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Charleston travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Halifax travel costs.

Charleston and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Halifax?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Charleston than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Charleston different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Halifax.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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 Charleston or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Charleston is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Charleston and Halifax.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Halifax. 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 Charleston or Halifax Better for Music?

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

The music scene helps keep Charleston active and fun. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Halifax is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Halifax Better for Resorts?

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

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Charleston. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Charleston is one of the most recognized in the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Halifax?

Charleston is renowned for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Charleston. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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

Is Charleston or Halifax More Beautiful?

Charleston is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charleston is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charleston or Halifax Better for Families?

Charleston and Halifax are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Halifax is a family-friendly coastal town. 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 Charleston or Halifax Better for Couples?

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

Charleston has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Charleston or Halifax Better for Students?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Is Charleston or Halifax a more walkable city?

Charleston 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.

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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 Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Halifax?

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

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

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

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

One day in Charleston or Halifax?

In Charleston, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Halifax, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Halifax?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Halifax, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Charleston or Halifax?

Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. In Charleston, you'll find live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Halifax is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Charleston and Halifax, we can see that Charleston 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 Charleston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charleston 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 Charleston Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Charleston during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

In the summer, Charleston is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charleston. In the summer, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Halifax. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In October, Charleston is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Charleston gets 197 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, Charleston usually receives less rain than Halifax. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. Charleston is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 47°F (9°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Charleston usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Charleston is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Charleston gets 275 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, Charleston usually receives less rain than Halifax. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Charleston