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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Halifax?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Jacksonville and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Halifax?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Halifax. Jacksonville is bigger than Halifax, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Halifax is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its maritime past. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

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

Jacksonville has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for 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 Jacksonville or Halifax Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Halifax?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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

Is Jacksonville or Halifax Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Halifax are notable family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

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 Jacksonville or Halifax Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Halifax both notable destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Halifax are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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

Is Jacksonville or Halifax Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Jacksonville and Halifax.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Jacksonville or Halifax a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and Halifax are notable when it comes to walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Halifax 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Halifax?

In Jacksonville, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Halifax, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Halifax?

In Jacksonville, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jacksonville has to offer.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Halifax?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Halifax?

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

Halifax is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Halifax?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Jacksonville is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Halifax. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 214 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. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Halifax. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. Jacksonville is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 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, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Halifax. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Jacksonville