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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Halifax can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Halifax

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

Cabo San Lucas and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Both Cabo San Lucas and Halifax have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

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

Cabo San Lucas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to see the historical old town. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

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

Cabo San Lucas is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cabo San Lucas and Halifax.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Halifax a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Halifax

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Halifax. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Halifax is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Halifax. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Cabo San Lucas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $116, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $116. 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 Cabo San Lucas and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $53
    Halifax $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $106
    Halifax $132
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $23
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in San José del Cabo HTL-APT(SJD): $105
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Jose del Cabo - Los Cabos Airport (SJD): $53
  • Transfer in private minivan from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - Cabo San Lucas: $65
  • Transfer in private minivan from Cabo San Lucas - San Jose del Cabo(SJD): $67
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - Touristic Corridor: $64
  • Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport CSL to Cabo San Lucas : $34
  • Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $300
  • San José del Cabo: Half-Day Guided ATV Ride with Transfers: $129
  • SJD Airport PRIVATE TRANSFER Van ONE WAY To Cabo Area Up 5 pax: $89
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - Cabo San Lucas: $126
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Airport to Pacific Side: $300
  • Roundtrip Cabo Airport Transfer: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $80
  • Halifax Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Halifax Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Halifax hotels: $138
  • Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ): Transfer to Halifax Port: $216
  • Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax: $37
  • YHZ airprot / Halifax to Sydney Private Transfer.: $626

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $42
    Halifax $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Sunset Boat Tour Includes Open Bar and Dinner: $71
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Domestic Open Bar: $75
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Open Bar: $75
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $77
  • Sea to Table Fisherman's Seafood Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $80
  • Sunset Dinner: $85
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $85
  • Sunset Tour of Everything Cabo! Includes dinner and open bar!: $89
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Sunset Dinner on a Pirate Boat: $90
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90

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: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $36
    Halifax $29

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Art and Wine Evening City tour in San Jose del Cabo for Adults: $119
  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $25
  • Magical Todos Santos Tour, Camel ranch, Lunch & Tequila: $119
  • Margaritas Beach UTV Adventure: $99
  • Margaritas Beach and Desert ATV Tour: $80
  • OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with Lunch & Tequila : $199
  • Romantic tour in Cabo San Lucas: $186
  • Traditional Tequila Tasting Experience with Jorge Cuervo: $48
  • #1 Snorkeling Tour in Catamaran. Open bar & Snacks included: $80
  • "Exclusive Cabo San Lucas Trimaran Experience with Snorkeling": $180
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Adventure : $180

Tours and Activities in Halifax

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

  • Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $5.15
  • Halifax Boardwalk and Seaport: Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.15
  • Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $5.15
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Halifax with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise: $41
  • Solar-Powered Historical Food & Drink Pedal Bus Tour in Hfx: $41
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $57
  • From City and Peggy's Cove Sunset Guided Tour: $66
  • City Segway Tour: $68
  • Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Bus City Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $24
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $60
  • Los Cabos: Bar Crawl: $79


When comparing the travel costs between Cabo San Lucas and Halifax, we can see that Halifax is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.