A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland, Maine vs. Halifax for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Halifax? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Portland, Maine than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Portland, Maine, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is more popular for its museums and attractions. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Also, Portland, Maine is famous for The Portland Head Light. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Portland, Maine different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

Halifax is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Portland, Maine and Halifax can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Portland, Maine area. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Portland, Maine or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Portland, Maine and Halifax.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

If you're looking for night time activities Halifax has a few options to choose from. 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 Portland, Maine or Halifax Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Halifax and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Halifax. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Portland, Maine or Halifax More Beautiful?

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

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland, Maine or Halifax Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Portland, Maine or Halifax.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Halifax offers lots of family activities. 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 Portland, Maine or Halifax Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Portland, Maine and Halifax make for a notable place to visit.

Portland, Maine is a good coastal town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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 Portland, Maine or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

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

Halifax is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portland, Maine and Halifax. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Portland, Maine 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.

One day in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The cultural destination of Halifax offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland, Maine has to offer.

The city of Halifax offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Halifax. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, 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 Portland, Maine and Halifax, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Halifax?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portland, Maine is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland, Maine in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Portland, Maine is generally around the same temperature as Halifax. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 49°F (9°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Halifax. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Halifax because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Portland, Maine is cooler than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Halifax. The spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In the spring, Portland, Maine is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland, Maine in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Halifax. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Portland, Maine