A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Maine vs. Nova Scotia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Maine or Nova Scotia?

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 Maine and Nova Scotia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Maine or Nova Scotia?

Maine

The U.S. state of Maine is situated in the northeastern most region of the country. While it is known for its rugged rocky coastline and maritime history, the state also has a landscape of rolling mountains carpeted in thick pine forests, with many peaceful lakes popular with visitors seeking a close to nature kind of getaway. The capital city is Augusta, though the most populous is Portland, which has much to offer in sightseeing attractions and activities.

Nova Scotia

As one of the original four provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia became part of Canada in 1867. With a population of over 900,000 people, 44% of them live in the capital city of Nova Scotia. This region is truly diverse with people of countless ethnic backgrounds calling Nova Scotia home, but the biggest influences come from the early Scottish settlers. It's undoubtedly there even if it's been mixed with the native Mi'kmaq culture and those of other immigrant groups.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Nova Scotia or Maine?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Maine Prices
    USA Prices
    Nova Scotia Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Maine $241
    Nova Scotia $8,648

The average daily cost (per person) in Maine is $241, while the average daily cost in Nova Scotia is $8,648. 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 Maine and Nova Scotia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Maine $107
    Nova Scotia $3,392
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Maine $214
    Nova Scotia $
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    6.00
Compare Hotels in Maine and Nova Scotia

Looking for a hotel in Maine or Nova Scotia? 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 Maine


Hotels in Nova Scotia


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Maine $43
    Nova Scotia $1,790

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maine:

  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $86
  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $205
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $205
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $74
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $133
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $74
  • Private Transfer from Rockland Cruise Port to Bangor Airport(BGR): $205
  • Private Transfer from Rockland Cruise Port to Bangor City Hotels: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Maine or Nova Scotia?

Prices for flights to both Nova Scotia and Maine 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
    Maine $85
    Nova Scotia $3,603

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maine.

  • Portland Explorer: Taste of Portland Food Tour: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Maine $33
    Nova Scotia $1,971

Tours and Activities in Maine

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Maine are as follows:

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Bar Harbor Acadia: $7.99
  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
  • Bar Harbor Self Guided Audio Walking Tour America’s Summer Empire: $9.75
  • Portland Underground Railroad Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Portland’s Historic Old Port District: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Portland ME: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Maine $23
    Nova Scotia $706


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Maine and Nova Scotia, we can see that Nova Scotia is more expensive. And not only is Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maine 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 Nova Scotia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nova Scotia than you might in Maine.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Maine Expensive? and Is Nova Scotia Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Maine or Nova Scotia?

Maine has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Nova Scotia. When comparing the sizes of Maine and Nova Scotia, 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.