A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tampa vs. Halifax for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Tampa or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Tampa and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Halifax?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tampa than Halifax, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tampa is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Halifax is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Halifax is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its maritime past. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. Also, Tampa is famous for Busch Gardens.

How is Tampa different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Halifax?

Halifax is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halifax. 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Halifax offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Tampa or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Halifax is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Halifax Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tampa. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Halifax?

Halifax is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Halifax has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Halifax Better for Families?

Tampa 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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Halifax Better for Couples?

Halifax is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Halifax is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Halifax is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Halifax has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Tampa 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.

One day in Tampa or Halifax?

In Tampa, you'll find 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.

In Halifax, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Halifax?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Halifax?

Tampa 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Halifax. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampa and Halifax, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tampa is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Halifax. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Halifax. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tampa is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Tampa gets 234 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. Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Halifax. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Tampa is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Halifax. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Halifax. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In the spring, Tampa is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Tampa