Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Williamsburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Williamsburg or Halifax?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Williamsburg or Halifax?
Williamsburg
In southeast Virginia, Williamsburg is a historic city that was the capital of Virginia during the 1700's. It's now a popular tourist destination in the state because it has managed to recreate its past in a theme park like setting. Perhaps the most famous attraction in the city is "Colonial Williamsburg," an outdoor museum that recreates an 18th century town with working tradesmen and functioning jobs. You can purchase a one day pass to the area for $36 and multiple day passes at a slight discount. Exhibits in the area include observing a court proceeding, seeing the Governor's Palace, and witnessing the impact of the American Revolution on the area.
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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, 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 dayWilliamsburg $112Halifax $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $112, 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 Williamsburg and Halifax in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWilliamsburg $66Halifax $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWilliamsburg $132Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Halifax
Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Williamsburg $11Halifax $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax
Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $80
- Halifax Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Halifax Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Halifax hotels: $133
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $34
- Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ): Transfer to Halifax Port: $209
- Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer: $34
- Transfer to/from Stanfield International Airport: $44
- Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport to Halifax: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Halifax?
Prices for flights to both Halifax and Williamsburg 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 dayWilliamsburg $31Halifax $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.
- Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84
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.Williamsburg $34Halifax $28
Tours and Activities in Williamsburg
Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
- 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
- 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $175
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $62
- Colonial Ghosts Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Colonial Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour: $35
- Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
- Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $25
- Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
- Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
- Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25
- Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
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 dayWilliamsburg -Halifax $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:
- Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48
When comparing the travel costs between Williamsburg and Halifax, we can see that Halifax 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 Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Halifax?
Halifax has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Halifax in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the summer, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.
Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 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 JulyWilliamsburg 78°F (26°C)Halifax 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Williamsburg or Halifax in the Autumn?
Both Halifax and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 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 OctoberWilliamsburg 61°F (16°C)Halifax 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Williamsburg or Halifax in the Winter?
Both Halifax and Williamsburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. Williamsburg is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
In the winter, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.
Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Williamsburg usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 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 JanuaryWilliamsburg 38°F (4°C)Halifax -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Williamsburg or Halifax in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Halifax. The natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Williamsburg is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.
Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 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 AprilWilliamsburg 57°F (14°C)Halifax 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Halifax and Williamsburg
| Williamsburg | Halifax | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 38°F (4°C) | 3.6 inches (93 mm) | -4°C (24°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 41°F (5°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 49°F (9°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | -1°C (31°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 57°F (14°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 4°C (39°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (25°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 15°C (58°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Nov | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 5°C (40°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 43°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (90 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.