A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gatlinburg vs. Victoria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Victoria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Gatlinburg

Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Gatlinburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, 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 Gatlinburg and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gatlinburg $80
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gatlinburg $160
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg 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.

Hotels in Gatlinburg


Hotels in Victoria


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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gatlinburg $35
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Seaplane Transfer between Victoria and Whistler: $219
  • Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Victoria: $206
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Hotel Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $74
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Gatlinburg 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Gatlinburg $85
    Victoria $27
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gatlinburg $24
    Victoria $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg

For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Photos
    $22
  • Horseback Riding (for 2)
    $55

Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.

  • 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience: $65
  • 6-Line Zip at Night Tour: $72
  • 7-Line Zipline Experience in Sevierville: $119
  • Admission Ticket: Brian Hoffman's Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton: $35
  • Admission Ticket: Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge: $35
  • Appalachian Trail Adventure: $175
  • Beyond The Lens Interactive Museum Admission Ticket: $27
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
  • Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour: $41
  • East Tennessee Off Road ATV Guided Experience: $71
  • Extended Douglas Lake Region Tour by Helicopter: $63

Tours and Activities in Victoria

For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside: $77
  • 60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour: $204
  • 75-Minute The Royal Tour: $245
  • 90-Minute The Capital Tour: $286
  • Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria: $204
  • Bike 3-hour City Highlights Tour & coastal ride: $94
  • Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour: $329
  • COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix: $98
  • Castles, Hoods & Legends - Bike Tour: $51
  • Cultural & Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: $59
  • Evening Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gatlinburg $15
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:

  • Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $70

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 comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Victoria, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Victoria?

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 Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Victoria. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)