A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jacksonville vs. Halifax for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jacksonville or Halifax?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Jacksonville or Halifax?

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336

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 Jacksonville or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Halifax $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

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: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Halifax?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Halifax. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Halifax. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. Jacksonville is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Halifax. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)