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

Should you visit Lancaster or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Victoria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Lancaster or Victoria?

Lancaster

The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus 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 Lancaster?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $183, 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 Lancaster and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster 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 Lancaster


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    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 Lancaster or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $53
    Victoria $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

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.
    Lancaster $19
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • From Philadelphia: Lancaster County Amish Community Tour: $179
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $79
  • Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour: $130
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35

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
    Lancaster $11
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79

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 Lancaster and Victoria, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Victoria. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences.

Lancaster is much warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Victoria. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Lancaster or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lancaster is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Lancaster or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Victoria can be very cold. Lancaster can be very cold during winter. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Victoria. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Lancaster or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Lancaster

Lancaster Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)