A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Daytona Beach vs. Halifax for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Halifax? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Halifax

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

Daytona Beach and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Halifax is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Daytona Beach different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halifax. 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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Halifax area. 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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Daytona Beach is renowned for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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 Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

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

The music scene helps keep Daytona Beach active and fun. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Halifax is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach has a beach worth visiting. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Halifax to go shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.


Is Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Halifax make for a notable place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Halifax Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

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

Daytona Beach is a great destination for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach 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 quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Halifax a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

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

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.


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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach 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 shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Halifax. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find live music and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

Daytona Beach 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 friendly destination of Halifax. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.


A week in Daytona Beach or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Halifax. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Daytona Beach?

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

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, 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 Daytona Beach and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    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 Daytona Beach or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach $138
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

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.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
  • 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65

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
    Daytona Beach $43
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50

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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Halifax. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Halifax. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Halifax. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Halifax because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In the spring, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Halifax. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)