A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nova Scotia vs. Virginia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nova Scotia or Virginia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nova Scotia and Virginia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nova Scotia or Virginia?

Nova Scotia

As one of the original four provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia became part of Canada in 1867. With a population of over 900,000 people, 44% of them live in the capital city of Nova Scotia. This region is truly diverse with people of countless ethnic backgrounds calling Nova Scotia home, but the biggest influences come from the early Scottish settlers. It's undoubtedly there even if it's been mixed with the native Mi'kmaq culture and those of other immigrant groups.

Virginia

One of the original thirteen British colonies, Virginia is a place of rich history and varied environments. You might explore the historic settlement of Colonial Williamsburg, dive into the current culture of its major cities, or get lost in nature along the coast or in the scenic landscape of the Appalachian Mountains. There's a little something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia or Nova Scotia?

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

  • Nova Scotia Prices
    Canada Prices
    Virginia Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nova Scotia $130
    Virginia $185

The average daily cost (per person) in Nova Scotia is $130, while the average daily cost in Virginia is $185. 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 Nova Scotia and Virginia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nova Scotia $60
    Virginia $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nova Scotia $120
    Virginia $160
Compare Hotels in Nova Scotia and Virginia

Looking for a hotel in Nova Scotia or Virginia? 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 Nova Scotia


Hotels in Virginia


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nova Scotia $17
    Virginia $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Virginia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Virginia:

  • Airport Transfer to or from Mclean, VA and Dulles Airport: $225
  • Airport Transfer to or from Mclean, VA and Reagan Airport(DCA): $215
  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Transfer To or From Reston and Dulles International Airport: $205
  • Private transfer to or from Reston and Ronald Reagan National Airport: $230
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $175
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Nova Scotia or Virginia?

Prices for flights to both Virginia and Nova Scotia 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
    Nova Scotia $52
    Virginia $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Virginia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Virginia.

  • The Dairy Market Food Tour: $75
  • The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond: $90
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $94
  • City Cruises Norfolk: Buffet Dinner Cruise : $103
  • Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nova Scotia $28
    Virginia $24

Tours and Activities in Virginia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Virginia are as follows:

  • Williamsburg Colonial Adventure: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Historical Fredericksburg SmartPhone App Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Charlottesville Scavenger Hunt Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nova Scotia $16
    Virginia $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Virginia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Virginia:

  • Richmond Virginia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Norfolk Bar Crawl: $15
  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $37
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48
  • Family Wine Tour: $85
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $86
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90
  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $95
  • 5 Hour Historic Thomas Jefferson Wine Tour: $248
  • Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour: $248


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nova Scotia and Virginia, we can see that Virginia is more expensive. And not only is Nova Scotia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nova Scotia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nova Scotia 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 Virginia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Virginia than you might in Nova Scotia.

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


Which has a larger population, Nova Scotia or Virginia?

Virginia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nova Scotia. When comparing the sizes of Nova Scotia and Virginia, 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.