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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Clearwater travel costs.

Halifax

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

Clearwater and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 Clearwater or Halifax?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Clearwater than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Clearwater, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Clearwater different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Clearwater
Halifax

Clearwater is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Clearwater can be an interesting and educational experience. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater
Halifax

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater
Halifax

Evening events are good in both Clearwater and Halifax.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

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 Clearwater or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Clearwater
Halifax

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

Clearwater is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Clearwater or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater
Halifax

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Clearwater
Halifax

Clearwater is renowned for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Clearwater are among the best in the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Halifax?

Clearwater
Halifax

Both Clearwater and Halifax are good shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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


Is Clearwater or Halifax Better for Families?

Clearwater
Halifax

Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly destination. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

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 Clearwater or Halifax Better for Couples?

Clearwater
Halifax

Clearwater is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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 Clearwater or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Clearwater
Halifax

Halifax is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.


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

Clearwater
Halifax

Halifax is a good destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city 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 Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Is Clearwater or Halifax a more walkable city?

Clearwater
Halifax

Clearwater and Halifax both are good when exploring on foot.

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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 Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Clearwater 3-5 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Clearwater or Halifax?

In Clearwater, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city 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 Clearwater or Halifax?

In Clearwater, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Clearwater or Halifax?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Clearwater. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours 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 Clearwater?

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

  • Clearwater Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Clearwater $343
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $343, 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 Clearwater and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $70

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 Clearwater or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $79
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Clearwater.

  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
  • Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115

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.
    Clearwater -
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Clearwater Beach Yoga Experience : $35
  • Safety Harbor Ghost & History Tour by Silent Slayer Ghost Tours: $40
  • !! Flippers Fun Boat !! Dolphin Adventure Clearwater Beach!: $32
  • 1,5h Tiki Tour with Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks, Clearwater Beach: $50
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour around Clearwater Beach: $79
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hour Tarpon Springs Sunset and Night Guided Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 2.5 Hour Kayaking with Manatee and History Tour in Tarpon Springs: $68
  • 2.5 Hour Shell Key Island Adventure Including Dolphins And Shells: $59
  • 3 hour - Two Island Sandbar Tiki Adventure: $595

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
    Clearwater -
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • Saint Petersburg Bar Crawl: $15
  • St Petersburg Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $25
  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25

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


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


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Clearwater is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°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 Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Clearwater gets 265 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 Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Halifax. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 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, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Halifax. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Halifax. The winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. Clearwater is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Clearwater gets 299 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, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Halifax. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Clearwater

Clearwater Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)