Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Ottawa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ottawa or Halifax?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ottawa or Halifax? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ottawa or Halifax?
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOttawa $122Halifax $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Ottawa is $122, 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 Ottawa and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOttawa $18Halifax $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOttawa $36Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Ottawa and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Ottawa 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: Ottawa Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ottawa $7.21Halifax $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ottawa City hotels to Ottawa Airport YOW: $65
- Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer in Ottawa Airport : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
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
- Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85
- 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: $208
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $34
- Halifax Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Halifax hotels: $132
- Halifax Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Ottawa or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Ottawa 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
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Food Meals for one dayOttawa $17Halifax $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $72
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Typical Food Prices in Halifax
For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ottawa $40Halifax $28
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.72
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $116
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $185
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $151
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise: $36
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOttawa $18Halifax $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When comparing the travel costs between Ottawa and Halifax, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ottawa Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ottawa or Halifax?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa or Halifax in the Summer?
Both Halifax and Ottawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Ottawa is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ottawa in July average around 21°C (71°F), 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 Ottawa. Ottawa usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Ottawa gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ottawa usually receives less rain than Halifax. Ottawa gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOttawa 21°C (71°F)Halifax 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Ottawa or Halifax in the Autumn?
Both Halifax and Ottawa during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Ottawa is generally around the same temperature as Halifax. Daily temperatures in Ottawa average around 9°C (48°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the autumn, Ottawa often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Ottawa gets 116 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. Ottawa usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Ottawa gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOttawa 9°C (48°F)Halifax 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Ottawa or Halifax in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ottawa and Halifax.
The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Ottawa is much colder than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Ottawa averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
Ottawa usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during winter. Ottawa gets 93 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, Ottawa usually receives less rain than Halifax. Ottawa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOttawa -10°C (14°F)Halifax -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Ottawa or Halifax in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ottawa as well as Halifax.
It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In the spring, Ottawa is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ottawa in April average around 6°C (44°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In the spring, Ottawa often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Ottawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Halifax. Ottawa usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Ottawa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOttawa 6°C (44°F)Halifax 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Halifax and Ottawa
| Ottawa | Halifax | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.