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

Should you visit Memphis or Halifax?

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

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

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and museums. See Memphis travel costs.

Halifax

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

Memphis and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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 Memphis or Halifax?

You'll generally find more things to do in Memphis than Halifax. Memphis is bigger than Halifax, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Memphis is better known for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Halifax is more popular for its shopping. Halifax is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its maritime past. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Memphis
Halifax

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Halifax and Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Memphis or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Halifax

Memphis 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Halifax

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

Memphis has a large number of nightlife venues. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Halifax Better for Music?

Memphis
Halifax

Memphis is renowned for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Halifax is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Halifax?

Memphis
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Halifax has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Halifax Better for Families?

Memphis
Halifax

Memphis and Halifax are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Halifax is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Memphis or Halifax Better for Couples?

Memphis
Halifax

Memphis and Halifax are both notable to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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 Memphis or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Halifax

For backpackers, both Memphis and Halifax are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Halifax is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Memphis or Halifax Better for Students?

Memphis
Halifax

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

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis 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 generally limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.


Is Memphis or Halifax a more walkable city?

Memphis
Halifax

Memphis and Halifax are notable when it comes to walkability.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis 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 Memphis.


  • How many days in Memphis or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Memphis or Halifax?

In Memphis, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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, 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 Memphis or Halifax?

In Memphis, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Memphis 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 Memphis or Halifax?

Memphis 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 Memphis or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Memphis?

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

  • Memphis Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Memphis $199
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $199, 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 Memphis and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Memphis 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 Memphis


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: Memphis Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170

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 Memphis or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Memphis 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
    Memphis $74
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

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

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

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.
    Memphis $45
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $88
  • A Self Guided Walking Tour of Brews, Blues and BBQ in Memphis: $15
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Downtown Memphis Pedal Party Ride and Axe Throwing Experience: $65
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $102
  • From Elvis Presley Birthplace and Park Guided Tour: $215
  • From Official Elvis Birthplace Tour of Tupelo: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise: $85
  • Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale: $33
  • Memphis 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour: Beyond Beale: $33

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
    Memphis $26
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $31
  • Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike: $40
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • #1 Way To See Beale Street, Bar Crawl and Murals: $430

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


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Halifax?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Halifax. The summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

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

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

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Halifax. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Memphis or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Halifax. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In October, Memphis is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Memphis or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Memphis 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. Memphis is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Memphis gets 163 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, Memphis usually receives less rain than Halifax. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Memphis or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Memphis is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Memphis in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Memphis gets 254 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Halifax. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Memphis

Memphis Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)