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

Should you visit Cancun or Halifax?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Halifax can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun and Halifax: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cancun or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun than Halifax. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cancun is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . Halifax is famous for its maritime past.


How is Cancun different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cancun
Halifax

Cancun 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 Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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 Cancun or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cancun
Halifax

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Cancun and Halifax.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Halifax area. 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 Cancun or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Halifax

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

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Halifax

Cancun is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Cancun or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Halifax

Cancun is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Halifax

Cancun is renowned for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Halifax

Cancun is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Halifax?

Cancun
Halifax

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cancun and Halifax.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Halifax to go shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Cancun or Halifax Better for Families?

Cancun
Halifax

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

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun or Halifax Better for Couples?

Cancun
Halifax

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

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Halifax

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

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Cancun
Halifax

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cancun and Halifax.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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.

Is Cancun or Halifax a more walkable city?

Cancun
Halifax

Cancun 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.

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Halifax. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun 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 Cancun.


  • How many days in Cancun or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Cancun or Halifax?

In Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Cancun or Halifax?

In Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Halifax?

Cancun 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 Cancun has to offer. 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 Cancun or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 friendly 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 Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Cancun?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $124, 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 Cancun and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $82
    Halifax $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $164
    Halifax $132
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Cancun 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 Cancun


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: Cancun Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $15
    Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.40
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $12
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $14
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

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

  • transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
  • Xplor-ticket included 1 Day Tour from Cancun with hotel transfer : $171
  • Xcaret 1 Day Tour from Cancun with Hotel Transfer: $204
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cancun HTL-APT (CUN): $55
  • Transfers in Private MiniVan wi fi on board: $61
  • Transfers in Luxury Sedan from Cancun Airport: $85
  • Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $137
  • Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $121
  • Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $261
  • Transfers From Hotel to Hotel: $120
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cancun Airport (CUN) - Akumal City: $67
  • Transfer from Puerto de Chiquila to Cancun Airport: $156

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Cancun 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
    Cancun $24
    Halifax $31
Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Señor Frogs Ticket with 2-Course Dinner and Drink: $33
  • Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
  • The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $49
  • Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
  • (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
  • (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $67
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $67
  • Cooking Show & Tequila Tasting: $73
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class : $79

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.
    Cancun $29
    Halifax $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.50
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $85

Tours and Activities in Cancun

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

  • 2 Day Combo Tour, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option: $244
  • 2 Hours Speed Boat Tour and Snorkeling in Nichupte Lagoon: $39
  • Coco Bongo Music And Show Ticket: $90
  • Full Day All Inclusive Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres : $99
  • Full Day Chichen-Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Complete Tour: $37
  • Holbox Island Magic Tour from Cancun : $144
  • Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour: $152
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Platinum Tour with Open Bar: $115
  • LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $165
  • Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
  • Reef and Sunken Ship Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $85
  • Tour to Chichen Itza & Cenotes Ik kill & Hubiku from Cancun: $128

Tours and Activities in Halifax

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

  • Explore Halifax with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
  • From City and Peggy's Cove Sunset Guided Tour: $66
  • From Small Group Lunenberg Express Tour: $121
  • Halifax Boardwalk and Seaport: Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.15
  • Halifax City Tour Private a/c vehicle: $107
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise: $41
  • Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $5.15
  • City Segway Tour: $68
  • Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $5.15
  • Guided Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $121
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $11
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $32
  • Brewery Tour / Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $129


When comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Halifax, we can see that Cancun 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 Cancun Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cancun or Halifax?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Cancun 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.