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

Should you visit Detroit or Halifax?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit 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.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Detroit travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Detroit and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • 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 Detroit or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit than Halifax. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Halifax is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its maritime past. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit
Halifax

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Halifax.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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.


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

Detroit
Halifax

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Halifax can be an enjoyable experience.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

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.

Is Detroit or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Detroit
Halifax

Detroit is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit or Halifax Better for Music?

Detroit
Halifax

Detroit is renowned for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

Detroit is known as a music capital around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Halifax is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Halifax?

Detroit
Halifax

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Detroit and Halifax.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

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

Is Detroit or Halifax Better for Families?

Detroit
Halifax

Detroit and Halifax are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Detroit is a family-friendly city. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums 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 Detroit or Halifax Better for Couples?

Detroit
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.


Is Detroit or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Detroit
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Detroit
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Detroit or Halifax a more walkable city?

Detroit
Halifax

Detroit and Halifax are nice when it comes to walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Halifax. In our opinion, Halifax has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Halifax than Detroit. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Couples should spend more time in Halifax than Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Detroit 1-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Detroit or Halifax?

In Detroit, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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.

In Halifax, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Halifax?

In Detroit, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer.

In Halifax, 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 Halifax has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Halifax?

Detroit 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.

Halifax 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.


A week in Detroit or Halifax?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Halifax. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus 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 Detroit?

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

  • Detroit Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Detroit $165
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $165, 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 Detroit and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Detroit $64
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Detroit $128
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Detroit 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 Detroit


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: Detroit Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Detroit $37
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $155
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $142
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $108

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 Detroit or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Detroit 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
    Detroit $76
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Secret Food Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Detroit Downtown Food Tour: 6+ Iconic Tastings in Motor City: $95
  • Detroit Flavors Food Tour: $150
  • Delicious in Detroit Food Tour: $159

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.
    Detroit $21
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt Interactive Walking Tour: $35
  • Best Detroit Walking Tour: $105
  • Best Downtown Detroit Historical Walking Tour: $100
  • Chauffeured Historic Tour of Detroit with Flexibility : $65
  • Detroit Drunks of Antiquity Historic Bar Tour : $65
  • Detroit Food Walking Tour: $159
  • Detroit Guided Pedicab Tour Explore the City in Comfort: $125
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $23
  • Detroit Private Sightseeing Tour with Daily Chauffeur: $3,000
  • Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $11
  • Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $120

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


Which is Bigger, Detroit or Halifax?

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

Both Halifax and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

In July, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Halifax. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Detroit usually receives less rain than Halifax. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Detroit 74°F (24°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Detroit or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Detroit during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

Detroit is a little warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Detroit gets 172 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. Detroit usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Detroit 54°F (12°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Detroit or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Halifax. Many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In the winter, Detroit is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Detroit usually receives less rain than Halifax. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Detroit or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In April, Detroit is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Detroit usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Detroit 49°F (9°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Detroit

Detroit Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)