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

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

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Pensacola travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Halifax travel costs.

Pensacola and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Halifax?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pensacola than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Pensacola, Pensacola has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pensacola is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also well known for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Pensacola different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pensacola
Halifax

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pensacola and Halifax.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halifax. 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 Pensacola or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola
Halifax

Pensacola 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 Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Halifax

Evening events are nice in both Pensacola and Halifax.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Pensacola or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Halifax

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

Pensacola is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Pensacola or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Halifax

Pensacola is renowned for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Pensacola are among the best in the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Halifax

Pensacola is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Halifax?

Pensacola
Halifax

Both Pensacola and Halifax are nice shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

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


Is Pensacola or Halifax Better for Families?

Pensacola
Halifax

Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or Halifax Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Halifax

Pensacola is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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 Pensacola or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pensacola
Halifax

Halifax is very good for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halifax is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.


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

Pensacola
Halifax

Halifax is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Halifax a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Halifax

Halifax is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

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

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pensacola and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than in Halifax. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Pensacola 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 Halifax.


  • How many days in Pensacola or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pensacola 3-7 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Pensacola or Halifax?

In Pensacola, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town 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 Pensacola or Halifax?

In Pensacola, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Pensacola or Halifax?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pensacola has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly 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 Pensacola or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pensacola. In Pensacola, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Pensacola?

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

  • Pensacola Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pensacola $234
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $234, 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 Pensacola and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

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 Pensacola or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

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.
    Pensacola $13
    Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • Bay Cruise: $65
  • Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
  • Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
  • Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
  • Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
  • Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299

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
    Pensacola $44
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45

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
  • The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $206


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pensacola and Halifax, we can see that Pensacola 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Halifax?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pensacola or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Pensacola during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Halifax. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Halifax in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Pensacola is much warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Halifax. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Halifax for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Halifax can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Pensacola is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. In April, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Halifax. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Pensacola

Pensacola Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)