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

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nantucket travel costs.

Halifax

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

Nantucket and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Nantucket different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Nantucket or Halifax Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Halifax?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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

Is Nantucket or Halifax More Beautiful?

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

Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nantucket or Halifax Better for Families?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket or Halifax Better for Couples?

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

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known 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.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket and Halifax both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Halifax has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Nantucket or Halifax a more walkable city?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Halifax?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nantucket or Halifax?

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Nantucket or Halifax?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantucket has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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 Nantucket or Halifax?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 historical 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 Nantucket or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, 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 Nantucket and Halifax, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Halifax in the Summer?

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

Nantucket is a little warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Nantucket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Halifax. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantucket or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nantucket is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantucket in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nantucket usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nantucket 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. Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nantucket is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 31°F (-0°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In January, Nantucket usually receives less rain than Halifax. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantucket or Halifax in the Spring?

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

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Nantucket is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Halifax. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Nantucket