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

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

Galveston

Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Galveston travel costs.

Halifax

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

Galveston and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 Galveston or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also well known for Pleasure Pier. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Galveston different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galveston
Halifax

Galveston 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 Galveston can be an interesting and educational experience. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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 Galveston or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galveston
Halifax

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Galveston and Halifax can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Galveston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

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 Galveston or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Halifax

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

Galveston has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check 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 Galveston or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Halifax

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

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Halifax is not a beach destination.


Is Galveston or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Halifax

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Galveston is a good destination for visiting its old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Halifax?

Galveston
Halifax

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

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

Is Galveston or Halifax Better for Families?

Galveston
Halifax

Galveston 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.

Galveston is a very family-friendly destination. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston or Halifax Better for Couples?

Galveston
Halifax

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

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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 Galveston or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galveston
Halifax

Halifax is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

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

Galveston
Halifax

Halifax is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Halifax offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.


Is Galveston or Halifax a more walkable city?

Galveston
Halifax

Galveston and Halifax are nice when it comes to walkability.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Halifax?

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

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

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

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

One day in Galveston or Halifax?

In Galveston, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Galveston or Halifax?

In Galveston, 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 Galveston 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 Galveston or Halifax?

Galveston 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 cultural 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 Galveston or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galveston. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galveston. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages 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 Galveston?

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

  • Galveston Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Galveston $221
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $221, 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 Galveston and Halifax in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Galveston 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 Galveston


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: Galveston Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    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 Galveston or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Galveston 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
    Galveston $90
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

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

  • Taste of the Strand all-inclusive family friendly food tours: $125

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.
    Galveston $15
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Galveston

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

  • Al's Ghost tour : a small group experience : $19
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $30
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $28
  • Beer Tasting Experience with 4 Beer Flight: $10
  • Combo: "Dark of the Moon" Ghost Tour + Red Light District Tour: $29
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $30
  • Galveston Gilded Age Architecture Tour: $85
  • Galveston Haunted Harbor Tour: 1-Hour Boat Ride at Night : $45
  • Galveston Historical Harbor Tours: $35
  • Galveston History and Architecture Tour: $40
  • Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour: $75

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
    Galveston $37
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour: $20
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $20
  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour in Galveston: $29
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl and Historical Tour near The Strand: $29
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35

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


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Halifax?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Halifax. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Galveston is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 84°F (29°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Galveston usually receives less rain than Halifax. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Galveston or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Halifax in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Galveston is much warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Galveston usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Galveston or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galveston 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. In the winter, Galveston is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galveston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Galveston usually receives less rain than Halifax. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Galveston or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Galveston during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. In April, Galveston is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 70°F (21°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Galveston usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Galveston

Galveston Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)