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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Halifax?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Halifax, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Saint Augustine 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 couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Saint Augustine different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Halifax?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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 Saint Augustine or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Halifax has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Halifax is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Halifax?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Halifax More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

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

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Augustine or Halifax Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Halifax Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

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

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.


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

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options 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 mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Saint Augustine or Halifax a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Halifax

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Halifax?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The historical 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 Saint Augustine or Halifax?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Saint Augustine or Halifax?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours 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 Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, 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 Saint Augustine and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    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 Saint Augustine or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

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.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
  • 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine: $35
  • Booze and Boos Haunted St. Augustine Ghost Walking Tour: $34
  • Bourbon and Whiskey History Tour in St Augustine : $209
  • Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25

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
    Saint Augustine $25
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Halifax. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 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 Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 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, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Augustine gets 191 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. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Halifax. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. Saint Augustine is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 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, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)