Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Montreal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Montreal 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 Montreal and Halifax can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Montreal or Halifax?
Montreal
While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.
Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontreal $209Halifax $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Montreal is $209, 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 Montreal and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontreal $131Halifax $65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontreal $262Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Montreal and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Montreal 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: Montreal Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montreal $20Halifax $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
- Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $48
- Private One-way Montreal Airport Transfer To/From Montreal: $58
- One Way Private transfer from Montreal Airport to/ from Montreal: $84
- Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $162
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $116
- Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $57
- Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79
- Departure Transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport by Limos or Bus: $153
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $162
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax
Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ): Transfer to Halifax Port: $208
- Halifax Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Halifax hotels: $132
- Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85
- From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $79
- Halifax Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $67
- Transfer to/from Stanfield International Airport: $44
- Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax: $36
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $34
- Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Montreal or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Montreal 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 dayMontreal $36Halifax $31
Typical Food Prices in Montreal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:
-
Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee$8.97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class and Tasting Menu with Michelin Chef: $49
- Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $58
- No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $59
- Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $73
- Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $73
- Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $103
- Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129
- Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $159
- Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with music: $162
- Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $204
- Montreal Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $248
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: $159
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montreal $21Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Botanical Gardens (family of 4)$53
Tours and Activities in Montreal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.
- Montreal ZOO, private half day tour: $207
- 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $29
- 1 Hour Tour of Old-Montreal in Vintage Convertible Cadillac: $219
- 2 hour Tour of The Montreal Bagel: $44
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
- 3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal: $79
- APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.71
- All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
- Awesome Curling Experience : $82
- Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $210
- Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $54
- Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal: $24
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: $119
- Halifax Boardwalk and Seaport: Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.08
- Halifax self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $5.08
- City Segway Tour: $67
- Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $5.08
- Full Day City Sightseeing Tour: $1,667
- Guided Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $119
- Small Group Walking Tour with Citadel & Museum: $101
- Small-Group Tour with Citadel and Peggy's Cove: $94
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontreal $16Halifax $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:
-
Vodka$18
Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:
- Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $22
- Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42
Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:
- The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montreal and Halifax, we can see that Montreal 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal 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 Montreal Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montreal or Halifax?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Montreal 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 Montreal 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 Montreal or Halifax in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Halifax.
In the summer, Montreal is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montreal in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montreal usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montreal usually receives less rain than Halifax. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontreal 21°C (69°F)Halifax 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Halifax in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Halifax.
In October, Montreal is generally cooler than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 8°C (47°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the autumn, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Halifax. Montreal usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontreal 8°C (47°F)Halifax 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Halifax in the Winter?
Both Halifax and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Halifax can be very cold during winter. Montreal can get quite cold in the winter. Montreal is much colder than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
Montreal usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Montreal usually receives less rain than Halifax. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontreal -10°C (14°F)Halifax -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Halifax in the Spring?
Both Halifax and Montreal during the spring are popular places to visit.
The weather in Halifax can be very cold. In the spring, Montreal is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montreal in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In the spring, Montreal often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Montreal gets 183 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. Montreal usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontreal 6°C (43°F)Halifax 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Halifax and Montreal
| Montreal | Halifax | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -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.