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

Should you visit Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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: Honolulu or Victoria?

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

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 Honolulu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Honolulu is $284, 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 Honolulu and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Honolulu $183
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Honolulu $366
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Honolulu and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Honolulu 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 Honolulu


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: Honolulu Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Honolulu $26
    Victoria $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

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

  • VIP Transfer: Ko Olina to Honolulu Airport or Vice Versa: $199
  • VIP Transfer Between Waikiki and Honolulu Airport, Vice versa: $139
  • VIP Transfer Between Waikiki & Honolulu Airport, /vice versa: $136
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Honolulu HTL-APT (HNL): $81
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $39
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Oahu Hotels or Cruise Terminal to Honolulu Airport: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $18
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $20
  • Shared Arrival Transfer from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki Hotels: $18
  • Private Transfers between HNL Airport and Honolulu City: $56
  • Private Transfer: Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Sedan: $108
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu in Sedan Car: $108

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 Honolulu or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Honolulu 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
    Honolulu $53
    Victoria $27
Typical Food Prices in Honolulu

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
  • Oahu Da Local's Food Tour: $150
  • Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239

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.
    Honolulu $40
    Victoria $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu

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


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

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

  • Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $80
  • 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $200
  • 1 Hour Private Luxury Classic Car Sightseeing City Tour Honolulu: $138
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing *SPECIALTY Tour: $149
  • 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
  • 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide and Ocean Playground Cruise: $113
  • 3-Hour Adventure in Waikiki Water Park Adventure: $127
  • 5 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $190
  • 5 Hour Small Group Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu: $145
  • 5-Star Oahu Sightseeing with local food & shrimp plate included: $133
  • 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
  • 6 Hour Romantic Hawaii Jeep Tour: $276

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
    Honolulu $6.47
    Victoria $16

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 Honolulu and Victoria, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Victoria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Victoria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Victoria 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu than you might in Victoria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Honolulu Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Honolulu or Victoria?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Honolulu and Victoria. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

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

In July, Honolulu usually receives more rain than Victoria. Honolulu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Honolulu or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Honolulu as well as Victoria. Many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Honolulu is much warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 80°F (26°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Honolulu usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Honolulu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Honolulu or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Honolulu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Victoria can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Honolulu is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Honolulu in January average around 73°F (23°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Victoria. Honolulu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Honolulu or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Honolulu during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Honolulu is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average around 76°F (24°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Honolulu usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Victoria. Honolulu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Honolulu

Honolulu Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)