Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria 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: Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria?
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
Victoria
The capital city of British Columbia, Canada, Victoria is positioned near the southern edge of Vancouver Island. It's a wonderfully pleasant city and has been nicknamed the Garden City because of its vast green space and public gardens. There is a population of just over 80,000 in the city proper and almost 350,000 in the greater metropolitan area. Dating back to 1843, it's also one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. As such, it has many historic buildings and beautiful architecture. It also has the second oldest Chinatown in North America, following San Francisco's.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Victoria $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $182. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCarmel-by-the-Sea -Victoria $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria
Looking for a hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria? 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: Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea $125Victoria $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria
Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Hotel Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Victoria: $206
- Seaplane Transfer between Victoria and Whistler: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria?
Prices for flights to both Victoria and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 dayCarmel-by-the-Sea $153Victoria $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Thai Cooking Class in Monterey: $99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria
For Victoria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chocolate Lovers Food Tour: $44
- Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $58
- Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $59
- Victoria Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $73
- Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea -Victoria $45
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour: $79
- 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights: $9.99
- 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $149
- 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey: $65
- 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour: $70
- 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $189
- Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway: $17
- Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $139
- Carmel by the Sea 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $20
- Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
- Fairy Tale Houses Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Tours and Activities in Victoria
For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Victoria self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.28
- Victoria Harbor: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- 2.5-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
- Victoria, BC: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $11
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Experience Victoria by Foot Walking Tour: $15
- Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
- Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $16
- Cultural & Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
- Malahat SkyWalk General Admission Tickets: $29
- Experience Victoria City Tour: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCarmel-by-the-Sea -Victoria $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Victoria:
- Guided Pub Crawl with Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $48
- 3-Hour Street Art & Craft Beer Tour of Victoria, Brewery Tour & Tasting included: $101
- Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $134
- Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $439
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Victoria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Victoria than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria?
Victoria has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria in the Summer?
Both Victoria and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is around the same temperature as Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCarmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)Victoria 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCarmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)Victoria 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Victoria can be very cold during winter. In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It's quite rainy in Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCarmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)Victoria 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria in the Spring?
Both Victoria and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a little warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCarmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)Victoria 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Victoria and Carmel-by-the-Sea
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | Victoria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 14°C (58°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 16°C (61°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 11°C (52°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 8°C (46°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 5°C (42°F) | 153 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.