A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Nova Scotia vs. Prince Edward Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island?

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.

Prince Edward Island

Known as simply "PEI" or "the island," Prince Edward Island is full of spectacularly red sandy beaches and dunes. The high levels of iron in the soil of this Canadian destination give the shores their rusty, prominent color. As the locals so cleverly out it, "there are no white dogs in PEI."

Prince Edward Island is Canada's only island province, and is also the setting to Lucy Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables.

As an island, this area isn't always easily accessible by car. To drive to Prince Edward Island, you'll have to use the iconic Confederation Bridge that crosses the Northumberland Strait between New Brunswick and PEI. This short, ten-minute drive can be a fun event on its own – complete with scenic viewing stations on the New Brunswick side. There is a hefty toll to pay when returning to the mainland. There are several express shuttles or car ferries available, as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Toronto, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia?

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

  • Nova Scotia Prices
    Canada Prices
    Prince Edward Island Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nova Scotia $130
    Prince Edward Island $170

The average daily cost (per person) in Nova Scotia is $130, while the average daily cost in Prince Edward Island is $170. 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 Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nova Scotia $60
    Prince Edward Island $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nova Scotia $120
    Prince Edward Island $168
Compare Hotels in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Looking for a hotel in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island? 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 Nova Scotia


Hotels in Prince Edward Island


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.
    Nova Scotia $17
    Prince Edward Island $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island?

Prices for flights to both Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia 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
    Nova Scotia $52
    Prince Edward Island $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prince Edward Island

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prince Edward Island.

  • Charlottetown Small Group Harbor Walking Food Tour : $73
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise on North America's LARGEST Solar Boat! (6PM): $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nova Scotia $28
    Prince Edward Island $33

Tours and Activities in Prince Edward Island

Here are a few actual costs in Prince Edward Island for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Charlottetown Audio Walking Tour : $9.56
  • Self Guided Charlottetown Tour with a Sixth-Generation Islander: $9.99
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Charlottetown PE: $11
  • Downtown Charlottetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Self Guided Audio Driving Tour of the North Shore of PEI: $13
  • Charlottetown Walking Tour: $20
  • Historic Walking Tour of Charlottetown: $21
  • Pony Express City Tour: $24
  • Horse Drawn Historical Guided Tour: $37
  • Charlottetown Small Group Walking Tour With Province House: $43
  • 1.5hr Harbour Experience on North America's LARGEST solar boat!: $58
  • Charlottetown waterfront SOLAR PartyBike food & drink experience!: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nova Scotia $16
    Prince Edward Island $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Prince Edward Island

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Prince Edward Island:

  • Charlottetown Bar Crawl Birthplace of Confederation: $15


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

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


Which has a larger population, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island?

Nova Scotia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Prince Edward Island. When comparing the sizes of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, 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.