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

Should you visit Islamorada or Halifax?

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

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

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Islamorada travel costs.

Halifax

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

Islamorada and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Islamorada different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Islamorada
Halifax

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

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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 Islamorada or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Halifax

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Halifax

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Islamorada and Halifax.

If you're looking for night time activities Islamorada has a few options to choose from. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Islamorada or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Halifax

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Islamorada or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Halifax

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

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Halifax

Islamorada is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Halifax?

Islamorada
Halifax

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

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


Is Islamorada or Halifax More Beautiful?

Islamorada
Halifax

Islamorada is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Halifax Better for Families?

Islamorada
Halifax

Islamorada is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or Halifax Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Halifax

Islamorada is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Islamorada
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known 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.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

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

Islamorada
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known 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 limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Halifax a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.


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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Halifax. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Islamorada 4-7 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Islamorada or Halifax?

In Islamorada, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This village 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 historical 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 Islamorada or Halifax?

In Islamorada, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come 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 Islamorada or Halifax?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. In Islamorada, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking 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 Islamorada?

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

  • Islamorada Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Islamorada $179
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $179, 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 Islamorada and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada 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 Islamorada


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: Islamorada Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    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 Islamorada or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $81
    Halifax $54

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.
    Islamorada $19
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

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

  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $259
  • 2 Hour Private Eco-Tour: $950
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Sandbar: $950
  • Private Snorkel & Sandbar Adventure: $599

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
    Islamorada $15
    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 Islamorada and Halifax, we can see that Islamorada 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 Islamorada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamorada 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Halifax. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

Islamorada is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Halifax. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Islamorada or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Halifax. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Islamorada is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Islamorada receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Islamorada usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Halifax. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Islamorada or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Islamorada 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. In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Halifax. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Islamorada or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Islamorada during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. Islamorada is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Islamorada gets 326 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. Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Islamorada

Islamorada Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)