Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Seattle?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Seattle or Halifax?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle or Halifax, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Seattle or Halifax?
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeattle $205Halifax $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Seattle is $205, 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 Seattle and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeattle $120Halifax $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeattle $240Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Seattle and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Seattle 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: Seattle Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seattle $30Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Airport (SEA)- Seattle Downtown: $86
- Smith Cove Terminal: Private Transfer to Seattle hotels: $308
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer : $74
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport (SEA) - Departure Transfer: $74
- One-Way Private Transfer from Seattle Airport: $76
- Seattle, WA: Seaplane transfer to Vancouver, BC: $283
- Seattle Tacoma Airport(SEA): Transfer to Smith Cove Terminal: $308
- Seattle Tacoma Airport to Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $153
- Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to Seattle: $265
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax
Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $34
- Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer: $34
- Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax: $36
- Transfer to/from Stanfield International Airport: $44
- Halifax Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $80
- Halifax Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Halifax hotels: $133
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ): Transfer to Halifax Port: $209
Is it cheaper to fly into Seattle or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Seattle 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 daySeattle $51Halifax $31
Typical Food Prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Seattle : Fun Cooking Classes With Chef Seamus: $60
- Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $67
- Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
- International District Food Tour: $69
- Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $85
- Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
- Small Group Cooking Class: $138
- Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198
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: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seattle $16Halifax $28
Tours and Activities in Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- 3 Hour Seattle City Tour: $90
- 2 Hour Seattle City Snapshots Tour: $85
- 2 Hour Sound Tour: $98
- 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour: $45
- 3 Hours Electric Bike Tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods: $87
- 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour: $185
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
- Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
- Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
- Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
- CitySightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $43
- Customized Mount Rainier Tour from Seattle: $176
Tours and Activities in Halifax
For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $5.11
- Halifax Boardwalk and Seaport: Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Exlore Halifax with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
- Halifax self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- From City and Peggy's Cove Sunset Guided Tour: $65
- City Segway Tour: $67
- Small-Group Tour with Citadel and Peggy's Cove: $94
- Small Group Walking Tour with Citadel & Museum: $102
- From Small Group Lunenberg Express Tour: $120
- Guided Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeattle $16Halifax $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
- Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
- Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
- Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seattle and Halifax, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seattle or Halifax?
Seattle has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Seattle 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 Seattle or Halifax?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Seattle or Halifax in the Summer?
Both Halifax and Seattle during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Seattle is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seattle in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seattle. In the summer, Seattle often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Seattle gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.
Seattle usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySeattle 67°F (19°C)Halifax 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Seattle or Halifax in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Halifax. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
In October, Seattle is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 54°F (12°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Seattle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax during autumn. Seattle gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seattle usually receives less rain than Halifax. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSeattle 54°F (12°C)Halifax 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Seattle or Halifax in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. Seattle is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 42°F (5°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
In the winter, Seattle often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Seattle gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Halifax. Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. Seattle usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Halifax. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySeattle 42°F (5°C)Halifax -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Seattle or Halifax in the Spring?
Both Halifax and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Halifax can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Seattle is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seattle in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Seattle gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Seattle usually receives less rain than Halifax. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSeattle 51°F (11°C)Halifax 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Halifax and Seattle
| Seattle | Halifax | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) | -4°C (24°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | -1°C (31°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 4°C (39°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 15°C (58°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 5°C (40°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) | -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.