A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kingston vs. Halifax for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kingston or Halifax?

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

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

Where Should I go: Kingston or Halifax?

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

Halifax

The quaint and charming coastal town of Halifax, Nova Scotia has an interesting personality. While it caters to travelers from all over the world, it maintains the pace and lifestyle of a small town.

Steeped in maritime history, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and one of the world's greatest natural harbors. This busy seaport serves as the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.

When planning your trip keep in mind that this city has a climate like other coastal cities. Summers are nice with the occasional humidity. Winters are mild, but still full of snow and wind. The best time of year to visit is most certainly the fall.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Kingston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, 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 Kingston and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $62
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $124
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Kingston 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 Kingston


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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $28
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Transfer for Kingston Airport to and from Hotels in Montego Bay: $173
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Port to Kingston Airport (KIN): $268
  • Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
  • Private Arrivals or Departures Transfer: Norman Manley Airport to Kingston : $136
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
  • Private Airport transfer from MBJ to & from Hotel's in Ochi Rios : $46
  • Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
  • NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225

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 Kingston or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Kingston 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
    Kingston $44
    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.
    Kingston $12
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
  • Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $134
  • City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Devon House City Tour Combo: $85

Tours and Activities in Halifax

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

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $16
  • Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music: $21
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Multiple Options: $29
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Party Cruise on the Harbour Queen: $42
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music: $42
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $56
  • Signature Adventure Sail: $56
  • Solar Waterfront Food/Drink Party Bike Experience: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    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 comparing the travel costs between Kingston and Halifax, we can see that Halifax is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Halifax is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Halifax?

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

Halifax has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kingston or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Halifax. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

In the summer, Kingston is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the summer, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Halifax. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Kingston during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, 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. Kingston is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the winter, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Halifax. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Halifax. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Kingston

Kingston Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)