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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Halifax?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Saint Louis 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 Louis and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Saint Louis and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Saint Louis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Saint Louis different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Louis
Halifax

Saint Louis is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Louis or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Halifax

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Halifax can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Halifax has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Louis or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Halifax

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Halifax.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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 the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Halifax?

Saint Louis
Halifax

Saint Louis 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 Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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


Is Saint Louis or Halifax Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Halifax

Saint Louis 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 Louis is a very family-friendly destination. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Louis or Halifax Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Halifax

Saint Louis and Halifax both good destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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 Louis or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Halifax

Halifax is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.


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

Saint Louis
Halifax

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Saint Louis is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Saint Louis or Halifax a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Halifax

Saint Louis and Halifax both are good when exploring on foot.

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Halifax. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Halifax. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Saint Louis or Halifax?

In Saint Louis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Halifax. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Saint Louis or Halifax?

In Saint Louis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Halifax. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Halifax?

Saint Louis 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.

The historical city of Halifax offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week 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 Louis?

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

  • Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, 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 Louis and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis 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 Louis


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 Louis Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $125
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $125

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 Louis or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Saint Louis 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 Louis $93
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

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

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - St. Louis, MO: $89

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 Louis $46
    Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

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

  • "StL's Best Sights and Bites" - Your Private Tour in St. Louis : $165
  • Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App: $7.75
  • Gateway Arch National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $17
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $27
  • Museum of Illusions St Louis Admission Ticket: $35
  • Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries): $129
  • Private Tour of The Hill, The "Little Italy" of Saint Louis: $165
  • Private Walking Tour of Saint Louis' Fascinating History: $159
  • Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17

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 Louis $19
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis 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 Louis 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 Louis or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°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 Louis this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Halifax. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 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 Louis usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In January, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Louis gets 160 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 Louis usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Halifax.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. Saint Louis is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Halifax. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)