Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Toronto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Toronto or Halifax?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toronto and Halifax 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: Toronto or Halifax?
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, and The Best Contiki Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayToronto $203Halifax $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Toronto is $203, 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 Toronto and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personToronto $86Halifax $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomToronto $172Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Toronto 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: Toronto Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Toronto $32Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toronto APT-HTL (YYZ): $113
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Toronto City: $68
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Toronto City to Toronto Pearson Airport: $71
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
- Transfer Private Minivan from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $159
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $104
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $157
- Private Transfer for 1-10 Passengers to Downtown: $174
- Niagara Falls Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Transfer: $70
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: $67
- From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Toronto 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 dayToronto $65Halifax $31
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $72
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $73
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $75
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $79
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151
- Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour With Boat Cruise & Dinner (optional): $155
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.Toronto $31Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Private Photoshoot Experience in Toronto: $74
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $185
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $199
- 2hr Shared Sailing Experience in Toronto: $140
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $110
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $138
- Best of Niagara Falls Tour with Optional Boat and Helicopter Ride: $66
- Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $140
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.16
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $147
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: $5.07
- Halifax self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $5.07
- City Segway Tour: $67
- Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $5.07
- Full Day City Sightseeing Tour: $1,664
- 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 dayToronto $22Halifax $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $7.98
- Finest Whisky Exploration Game in Toronto Distillery District: $8.15
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour: $21
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
- Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
- Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
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 Toronto and Halifax, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Toronto or Halifax?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Toronto 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 Toronto 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 Toronto or Halifax in the Summer?
Both Halifax and Toronto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Toronto is a little warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Halifax. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. Toronto usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Toronto gets 281 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Toronto usually receives less rain than Halifax. Toronto gets 69 mm (2.7 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 JulyToronto 21°C (70°F)Halifax 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Toronto or Halifax in the Autumn?
Both Halifax and Toronto during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Toronto is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toronto in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the autumn, Toronto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax. Toronto gets 153 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. Toronto usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Toronto gets 61 mm (2.4 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 OctoberToronto 11°C (51°F)Halifax 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Toronto or Halifax in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toronto and Halifax.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. In January, Toronto is generally around the same temperature as Halifax. Daily temperatures in Toronto average around -4°C (25°F), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
Toronto usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during winter. Toronto gets 87 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, Toronto usually receives less rain than Halifax. Toronto gets 52 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 JanuaryToronto -4°C (25°F)Halifax -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Toronto or Halifax in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Toronto as well as Halifax.
Halifax can get quite cold in the spring. Toronto is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the spring, Toronto often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Toronto gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Halifax. Toronto usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Toronto gets 63 mm (2.5 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 AprilToronto 7°C (44°F)Halifax 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Halifax and Toronto
| Toronto | Halifax | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 75 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.