Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Calgary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Calgary 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 Calgary 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.
Where Should I go: Calgary or Halifax?
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalgary $154Halifax $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $154, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $114. 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 Calgary and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Halifax $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Calgary 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: Calgary Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Halifax $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $91
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $91
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $61
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $61
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Calgary Airport (YYC) -Calgary Downtown: $121
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Calgary Airport (YYC) -Calgary: $181
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $110
- Private Transfer from YYC Airport to Kicking Horse or Panorama: $76
- Private Transfer from Fernie to Calgary International Airport: $76
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Luxury Van: $128
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $108
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Sunshine Village : $60
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: $79
- Halifax Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $67
- Halifax Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Halifax hotels: $132
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $34
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ): Transfer to Halifax Port: $208
- Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer: $34
- Transfer to/from Stanfield International Airport: $44
- Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85
- Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Calgary 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 dayCalgary $31Halifax $31
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81
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: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Classic Banff DayTour: Banff, Bow Falls, Johnston Canyon : $134
- 1 Day Tour in Rocky Mountain Banff National Park: $155
- 1 Day Tour in Rocky Mountain Yoho National Park: $155
- 2 Day Scenic Tour in Calgary Banff Lake Louise Moraine Lake: $222
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Calgary's Highlights: $237
- 2-Hour Scooter Tour of Calgary's City Highlights: $68
- 3-Hour Bike Tour of Calgary, E-Bike Upgrade Options Available: $101
- 3-Hour Street Art Tour of Calgary with Craft Beer Tastings: $101
- Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $114
- Banff Tour with Gondola & Lake Cruise - roundtrip from Calgary: $239
- Banff, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour from Calgary, Canmore: $96
- Big Boat Canoe Tour: $44
Tours and Activities in Halifax
For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $5.07
- Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $5.07
- Halifax Boardwalk and Seaport: Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.07
- Exlore Halifax with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
- Halifax self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- From City and Peggy's Cove Sunset Guided Tour: $65
- City Segway Tour: $67
- Seal Watch Boat Tours - Pictou NS: $93
- Small-Group Tour with Citadel and Peggy's Cove: $94
- Small Group Walking Tour with Citadel & Museum: $101
- From Small Group Lunenberg Express Tour: $119
- Guided Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Halifax $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:
- The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calgary and Halifax, we can see that Calgary 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 Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary 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 Calgary Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Halifax?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Calgary 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.
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.