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

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Halifax travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Petersburg or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Petersburg or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and Halifax.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Saint Petersburg or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

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

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Halifax?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Halifax both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Halifax Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Petersburg or Halifax Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

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

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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 Petersburg or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

Halifax is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

Halifax is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Halifax offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.


Is Saint Petersburg or Halifax a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Halifax

Halifax is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Halifax?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Halifax. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg 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 Petersburg or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Halifax?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Halifax. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Halifax?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Halifax. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Halifax?

Saint Petersburg 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 popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

Halifax is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises 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 Petersburg?

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

  • Saint Petersburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, 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 Petersburg and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg


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 Petersburg Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    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 Petersburg or Halifax?

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

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

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 Petersburg $13
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Halifax

For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • From Peggy's Cove Bus Tour: $75
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $151
  • Halifax Guided Driving Tour with Sunset at Peggy’s Cove: $64
  • Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $92
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Tour: $94
  • 2-Hour Sea-Doo Sightseeing Tour: $254
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Georges Island Kayak Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Halifax $15

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg or Halifax?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Halifax. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Halifax. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Halifax in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)