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

Should you visit San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. San Antonio is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See San Antonio travel costs.

Halifax

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

San Antonio and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Antonio than Halifax, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. It is also home to The Alamo. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is San Antonio different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Halifax?

San Antonio
Halifax

San Antonio 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 San Antonio can be an interesting and educational experience. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio
Halifax

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

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 San Antonio or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Halifax

It's hard to distinguish whether San Antonio or Halifax has a better nightlife scene.

San Antonio has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

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 San Antonio or Halifax Better for Music?

San Antonio
Halifax

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Halifax is not a live music destination.


Is San Antonio or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Halifax

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Halifax?

San Antonio
Halifax

Shopping is a popular activity in both Halifax and San Antonio.

San Antonio is a great destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Halifax. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is San Antonio or Halifax More Beautiful?

San Antonio
Halifax

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

San Antonio is a gorgeous place to visit. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is San Antonio or Halifax Better for Families?

San Antonio
Halifax

San Antonio is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio or Halifax Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Halifax

San Antonio and Halifax both good destinations for a couple.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

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 San Antonio or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Antonio
Halifax

Halifax is a good destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options 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.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.


Is San Antonio or Halifax Better for Students?

San Antonio
Halifax

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

San Antonio
Halifax

Halifax is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio 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 San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is San Antonio or Halifax a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Halifax

Halifax is a good destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is San Antonio Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Antonio and Halifax. In our opinion, San Antonio has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Antonio than Halifax. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in San Antonio or Halifax?

In San Antonio, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly 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 San Antonio or Halifax?

In San Antonio, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Antonio has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly 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 San Antonio or Halifax?

San Antonio 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 cultural 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 San Antonio or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Antonio. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting San Antonio. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping 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 San Antonio?

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

  • San Antonio Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Antonio $161
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $161, 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 San Antonio and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio 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 San Antonio


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
  • San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $146
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer: $73
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from SAT Airport: $50
  • Private One-way Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio: $74
  • Private One Way Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport : $74

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 San Antonio or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $69
    Halifax $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • Asian Dumplings Cooking Class in San Antonio: $75
  • Asian Dumpling Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $80
  • San Antonio Centre Food Tour of 6 Tastings with Tacos & Ice Cream: $95
  • San Antonio Secret Food Tour - Tacos, BBQ & Tex-Mex Classics: $100
  • San Antonio Premium Night Driving Tour with Dinner & Cruise: $159

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.
    San Antonio $36
    Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

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


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • 1/2-day San Antonio Alamo Legends Walk guided Small Group tour : $129
  • 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio : $95
  • Buckhorn Saloon & Museum / Texas Ranger Museum Entry Ticket: $18
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $28
  • Go City San Antonio Explorer Pass: Tickets for 2-5 Attractions: $104
  • Gruene and River Road Self-guided Tour: $139
  • Half-Day Morning City Tour of Historic San Antonio: $75
  • Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour: $39
  • Hopscotch San Antonio Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • King William District Tour: $35
  • PRIVATE Missions and More - Half-day City Tour: $189
  • Private Axe Throwing Experience in San Antonio TX: $27

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
    San Antonio -
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • San Antonio Texas Bar Crawl: Drinks Up in San Antonio!: $15
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Ghost Bus Haunted Pub Crawl: $62
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $179
  • Fredericksburg Hill Country Aficionado Wine Tour from San Antonio: $229

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


Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Halifax?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

San Antonio is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 87°F (31°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 San Antonio this time of the year. In the summer, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Halifax. San Antonio gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit San Antonio or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, San Antonio is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Antonio in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. San Antonio gets 213 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, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Halifax. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit San Antonio or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and San Antonio during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In January, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 54°F (12°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Halifax. San Antonio gets 155 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. San Antonio usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit San Antonio or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Halifax. The natural beauty are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. San Antonio is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. San Antonio gets 216 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, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Halifax. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and San Antonio

San Antonio Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)