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

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

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Newport 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.

Newport and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Newport or Halifax?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Halifax, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Newport different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newport
Halifax

Newport 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 Newport can be an interesting and educational experience. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport
Halifax

Newport 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 Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Newport
Halifax

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newport and Halifax.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Newport
Halifax

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.


Is Newport or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Newport
Halifax

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

Many visitors go to Newport to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Halifax?

Newport
Halifax

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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

Is Newport or Halifax More Beautiful?

Newport
Halifax

Newport is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Newport or Halifax Better for Families?

Newport
Halifax

Newport 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.

Newport is a very family-friendly destination. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport or Halifax Better for Couples?

Newport
Halifax

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

Newport has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples 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 Newport or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newport
Halifax

Halifax is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options 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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.


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

Newport
Halifax

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

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport or Halifax a more walkable city?

Newport
Halifax

Newport 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.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Newport?

How long in Newport or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newport and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than in Halifax. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Newport or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Newport 2-5 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Newport or Halifax?

In Newport, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town 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 Newport or Halifax?

In Newport, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newport 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 Newport or Halifax?

Newport 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 Newport has to offer. 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 Newport or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newport. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newport. 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises 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 Newport?

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

  • Newport Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Newport $192
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Newport is $192, 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 Newport and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newport $92
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newport $184
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Newport and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Newport 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 Newport


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: Newport Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newport $36
    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 Newport or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Newport 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
    Newport $78
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $99

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.
    Newport $17
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Newport

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

  • Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour: $32
  • Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $40
  • America's Cup Evening Sailing Adventure Newport, RI: $125
  • Colonial Newport Walking Tour: $20
  • Explore Newport Cliff Walk Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Golden Age to Gilded Age Newport's Transformation Walking Tour: $20
  • Golden Hour Cruise: $45
  • Guided Tour of Newport in Open Air LSV : $129
  • Historic Highlights with the Gilded Age Private Van Tour: $100
  • Historic Scenic Tour Through Newport With Elms Admission: $45
  • Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport: $41
  • Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $40

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
    Newport $14
    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 Newport and Halifax, we can see that Newport 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 Newport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newport 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 Newport Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Newport or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Newport 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 Newport 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 Newport or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newport is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newport in July average around 73°F (23°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 Newport. Newport usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Newport gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newport usually receives less rain than Halifax. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newport 73°F (23°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Newport or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Newport during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Newport for 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 October, Newport is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 53°F (12°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Newport. In the autumn, Newport often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Newport gets 211 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. Newport usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newport 53°F (12°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Newport or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Halifax. Many visitors come to Newport 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. Newport can get quite cold in the winter. Newport is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Newport usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Newport gets 170 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, Newport usually receives less rain than Halifax. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newport 28°F (-2°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Newport or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newport as well as Halifax. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. In the spring, Newport is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newport in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In the spring, Newport often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Newport gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Newport usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newport 48°F (9°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Newport

Newport Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)