Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Fairbanks?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fairbanks or Halifax?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Fairbanks 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.
Where Should I go: Fairbanks or Halifax?
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFairbanks $272Halifax $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairbanks is $272, 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 Fairbanks and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairbanks $154Halifax $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairbanks $308Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Fairbanks and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Fairbanks 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: Fairbanks Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairbanks $66Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:
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Full Tank of Gas$90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax
Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax: $36
- Transfer to/from Stanfield International Airport: $44
- Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer: $34
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ): Transfer to Halifax Port: $209
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $34
- Halifax Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Halifax hotels: $133
- Halifax Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairbanks or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Fairbanks 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 dayFairbanks $63Halifax $31
Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing$63
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Totem Inn Breakfast for Two$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $210
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $300
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: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fairbanks $65Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:
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The Riverboat Discovery Trip$55
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1 Day Mountain Bike Rental$27
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Canoe Rental with Pickup$56
Tours and Activities in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks Alaska: $215
- 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $135
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $135
- 3-Hour Small Group 9-Hole Self-Guided Fairbanks Golf Experience: $110
- Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks: $140
- Angel Rocks Hike and Chena Hot-Springs Soak Guided Tour: $195
- Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks: $290
- Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure: $229
- Aurora Borealis tour with Free Photography: $180
- Aurora Chaser Tour: $125
- Budget Aurora Borealis tour, Fairbanks, Alaska : $125
- Chasing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Tour with PHOTOGRAPHY: $199
Tours and Activities in Halifax
For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Exlore Halifax with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
- From City and Peggy's Cove Sunset Guided Tour: $65
- From Small Group Lunenberg Express Tour: $120
- Halifax Boardwalk and Seaport: Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.11
- Halifax self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $5.11
- City Segway Tour: $67
- Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Full Day City Sightseeing Tour: $1,675
- Guided Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $120
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Small Group Walking Tour with Citadel & Museum: $102
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairbanks $27Halifax $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Halifax, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Halifax?
Halifax has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks or Halifax in the Summer?
Both Halifax and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Fairbanks is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fairbanks in July average around 64°F (18°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In July, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairbanks 64°F (18°C)Halifax 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax in the Autumn?
Both Halifax and Fairbanks during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 27°F (-3°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairbanks 27°F (-3°C)Halifax 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Halifax. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Fairbanks is much colder than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around -9°F (-23°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairbanks -9°F (-23°C)Halifax -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Halifax. The spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.
It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the spring, Fairbanks is much colder than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fairbanks in April average around 32°F (0°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).
It's quite rainy in Halifax. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairbanks 32°F (0°C)Halifax 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Halifax and Fairbanks
| Fairbanks | Halifax | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | -4°C (24°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | -1°C (31°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 4°C (39°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 15°C (58°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Nov | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 5°C (40°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | -5°F (-21°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | -1°C (29°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
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.