Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Halifax?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas 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.
Where Should I go: Saint Thomas or Halifax?
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
Halifax
The quaint and charming coastal town of Halifax, Nova Scotia has an interesting personality. While it caters to travelers from all over the world, it maintains the pace and lifestyle of a small town.
Steeped in maritime history, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and one of the world's greatest natural harbors. This busy seaport serves as the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.
When planning your trip keep in mind that this city has a climate like other coastal cities. Summers are nice with the occasional humidity. Winters are mild, but still full of snow and wind. The best time of year to visit is most certainly the fall.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesHalifax Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Halifax $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, 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 Thomas and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Halifax $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas 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.
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: Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
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 Thomas or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Saint Thomas 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Thomas $94Halifax $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Typical Food Prices in Halifax
For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Halifax $28
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Halifax $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Halifax, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Halifax is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Halifax?
Halifax has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas 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 Thomas or Halifax?
Halifax has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Halifax in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Halifax. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 29°C (83°F) 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 Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Halifax 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Halifax in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Halifax. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Thomas in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Halifax. Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Halifax. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Halifax 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Halifax in the Winter?
Both Halifax and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. 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. In January, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 26°C (78°F), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 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 Thomas usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Halifax -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Halifax in the Spring?
Both Halifax and Saint Thomas during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. Saint Thomas is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Thomas gets 272 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 Thomas usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Halifax 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Halifax and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Halifax | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.