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

Should you visit Austin or Halifax?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Halifax, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Halifax

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

Austin and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Halifax, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Austin different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin 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 Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Austin or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Austin or Halifax Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Halifax is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Halifax?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Halifax and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

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

Is Austin or Halifax Better for Families?

Austin and Halifax are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Halifax offers lots of family activities. 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 Austin or Halifax Better for Couples?

Austin and Halifax are both good to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

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 Austin or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Halifax is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Austin or Halifax Better for Students?

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin 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 Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Austin or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Austin?

How long in Austin or Halifax?

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

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

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

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

One day in Austin or Halifax?

In Austin, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Halifax. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Halifax?

In Austin, 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 Austin has to offer.

Halifax is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Halifax?

Austin 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Halifax. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Halifax?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Halifax. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

Austin is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°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 Austin this time of the year. In the summer, Austin often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin 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 Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Austin gets 214 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, Austin usually receives less rain than Halifax. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Austin often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Austin gets 163 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. Austin usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Halifax. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. Austin is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Austin gets 209 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, Austin usually receives less rain than Halifax. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Austin