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

Should you visit Charlotte or Halifax?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Halifax can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Charlotte travel costs.

Halifax

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

Charlotte and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • 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 Charlotte or Halifax?

You'll generally find more things to do in Charlotte than Halifax. Charlotte is bigger than Halifax, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Halifax is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its maritime past. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. Also, Charlotte is famous for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Charlotte different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlotte
Halifax

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Halifax

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlotte and Halifax.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Halifax offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Charlotte or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Halifax

The vibe at night is notable in both Charlotte and Halifax.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Halifax?

Charlotte
Halifax

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Halifax both offer plenty of notable spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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


Is Charlotte or Halifax Better for Families?

Charlotte
Halifax

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Halifax.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Halifax is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Charlotte or Halifax Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Halifax

Both Charlotte and Halifax are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Halifax is a nice destination for couples. 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 Charlotte or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Charlotte
Halifax

Halifax is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Halifax is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.


Is Charlotte or Halifax Better for Students?

Charlotte
Halifax

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

Plenty of students visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte
Halifax

Charlotte and Halifax both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Charlotte or Halifax a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Halifax

Charlotte and Halifax are notable when it comes to walkability.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlotte and Halifax. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Charlotte or Halifax?

In Charlotte, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

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 Charlotte or Halifax?

In Charlotte, you'll find food 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Halifax?

Charlotte 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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 Charlotte or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlotte. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Charlotte. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises 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 Charlotte?

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

  • Charlotte Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charlotte $225
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $225, 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 Charlotte and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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 Charlotte


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    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 Charlotte or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $80
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

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.
    Charlotte $43
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24

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
    Charlotte $20
    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 Charlotte and Halifax, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Halifax?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Halifax?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charlotte or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Halifax. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charlotte is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Halifax. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Charlotte or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Halifax in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Charlotte or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Halifax can be very cold during winter. Charlotte is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Halifax. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Charlotte or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. In the spring, Charlotte is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Charlotte

Charlotte Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)