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

Should you visit Monterey 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 Monterey 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: Monterey or Halifax?

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography 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 Monterey?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Monterey is $170, 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 Monterey and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Monterey $90
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Monterey $180
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Monterey and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Monterey 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 Monterey


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: Monterey Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Monterey $32
    Halifax $17

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 Monterey or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Monterey 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
    Monterey $56
    Halifax $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Monterey

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

  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150

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.
    Monterey $27
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Monterey

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

  • Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $125
  • California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
  • From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $114
  • Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
  • Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $70
  • Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $120
  • Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour along the 17 Mile Drive: $115
  • 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
  • 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75

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
    Monterey $21
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

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

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150


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


Which is Bigger, Monterey or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Halifax in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Monterey is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Monterey in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Halifax. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Monterey 63°F (17°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Monterey or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Monterey during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Monterey is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 62°F (17°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Monterey 62°F (17°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Monterey or Halifax in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. Monterey is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than Halifax. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Monterey 51°F (11°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Monterey or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Halifax. The beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Monterey is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Monterey in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Monterey 56°F (13°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Monterey

Monterey Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)