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

Should you visit El Paso 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 El Paso and Halifax can help you decide which place is right for you.

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See El Paso travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

El Paso and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 El Paso or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Halifax than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Halifax, Halifax has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Halifax is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its maritime past. It is also home to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in El Paso or Halifax?

El Paso
Halifax

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either El Paso or Halifax.

El Paso is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

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 El Paso or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

El Paso
Halifax

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

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 El Paso or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

El Paso
Halifax

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in El Paso and Halifax.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

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 the Shopping Better in El Paso or Halifax?

El Paso
Halifax

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both El Paso and Halifax.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in El Paso. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

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


Is El Paso or Halifax Better for Families?

El Paso
Halifax

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either El Paso or Halifax.

El Paso is a family-friendly city. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

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 El Paso or Halifax Better for Couples?

El Paso
Halifax

Halifax is very good for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

Is El Paso or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

El Paso
Halifax

Halifax is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options 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.

El Paso is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's little in the area that appeals to backpackers.


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

El Paso
Halifax

Halifax is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso 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 El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is El Paso or Halifax a more walkable city?

El Paso
Halifax

Halifax is very good for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both El Paso and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Halifax than in El Paso. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for El Paso, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Families should spend more time in Halifax than El Paso. 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    El Paso 1-2 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in El Paso or Halifax?

In El Paso, 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.

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 El Paso or Halifax?

In El Paso, 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 El Paso 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 El Paso or Halifax?

El Paso 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 El Paso or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting El Paso. 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 The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 El Paso?

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

  • El Paso Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    El Paso $200
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in El Paso is $200, 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 El Paso and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    El Paso $81
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    El Paso $162
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in El Paso and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in El Paso 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 El Paso


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: El Paso Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

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

  • Round Trip Transfer to Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: $100
  • El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $67
  • El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $293

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 El Paso or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and El Paso 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
    El Paso $93
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in El Paso

For El Paso, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Rudy's BBQ (family of 4)
    $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Paso

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

  • Organ Mountains Sunset Dinner Trip: $64

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.
    El Paso $27
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in El Paso

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

  • Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour: $130
  • El Paso Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $102
  • Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour: $190
  • Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico: $120
  • Texas and New Mexico Bundle 4 day Self Guided National Park Tours: $40
  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $275
  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $26
  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $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
    El Paso $27
    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


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


Which is Bigger, El Paso or Halifax?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of El Paso 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.