Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Philadelphia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Philadelphia or Victoria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia 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: Philadelphia or Victoria?
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.
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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhiladelphia $188Victoria $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $188, 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 Philadelphia and Victoria in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhiladelphia $119Victoria $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhiladelphia $238Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Philadelphia and Victoria
Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia 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: Philadelphia Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Philadelphia $28Victoria $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $95
- Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Philadelphia City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $135
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $353
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
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
- Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Hotel Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
- Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Victoria: $206
Is it cheaper to fly into Philadelphia or Victoria?
Prices for flights to both Victoria and Philadelphia 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 dayPhiladelphia $49Victoria $27
Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
- Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
- Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
- Best of Philadelphia Food Tour-Small Group Walking Tour: $59
- Bites and Booze: Walking Food Tour in Philadelphia : $65
- Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
- Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $66
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $69
- Secret Food Tour: $84
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
- Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $90
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.Philadelphia $28Victoria $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Ben Franklin Yacht Brunch Cruise with Buffet: $65
- A Magical Christmas Tour in Philadelphia: $554
- Amazing Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
- BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia: $49
- Best of Philadelphia Small Group Walking Tour: $104
- City Sightseeing Walking Tour – Founding Fathers and Mothers: $32
- Classic Philadelphia City Bike Tour: $75
- Cocktail Caravan: Philly Walking Bar Tour: $35
- Dark Philly Adult Night Tour: $38
- Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Private Walking Tour: $250
- Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Philadelphia (1, 2, or 3-Day): $36
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 dayPhiladelphia $21Victoria $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
- Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
- Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120
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 Philadelphia and Victoria, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Victoria?
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Victoria in the Summer?
Both Victoria and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Philadelphia is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Victoria. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhiladelphia 77°F (25°C)Victoria 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Victoria in the Autumn?
Both Victoria and Philadelphia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhiladelphia 56°F (14°C)Victoria 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Victoria in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Victoria. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Victoria can be very cold. Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia is much colder than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Victoria. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhiladelphia 30°F (-1°C)Victoria 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Victoria in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Victoria. The spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Philadelphia usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhiladelphia 52°F (11°C)Victoria 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Victoria and Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | Victoria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 14°C (58°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 16°C (61°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 11°C (52°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 8°C (46°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.