Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Portland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Portland 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 Portland 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: Portland or Victoria?
Portland
Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortland $180Victoria $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Portland is $180, 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 Portland and Victoria in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortland $97Victoria $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortland $194Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Portland and Victoria
Looking for a hotel in Portland 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: Portland Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portland $28Victoria $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland
Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60
- Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $88
- Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
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 Portland or Victoria?
Prices for flights to both Victoria and Portland 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 dayPortland $43Victoria $27
Typical Food Prices in Portland
For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Afternoon Drinks (for 2)$9.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland
For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Pizza Tour: $75
- Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $94
- Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
- Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
- Downtown Food Tour: $102
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $105
- The Vibrant Kerns Hood Food Tour: $105
- The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
- Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $110
- All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
- All-Inclusive Walking Food Tour: $119
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.Portland $24Victoria $45
Tours and Activities in Portland
For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-hour Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $102
- 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $86
- 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
- 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
- Aerial adventure above Portland, Oregon: $189
- Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $75
- Afternoon Multnomah Falls and Gorge Waterfalls Tour: $85
- Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge: $289
- Air Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge from Portland: $159
- Airplane Flight Tour over Portland, Oregon: $99
- All Day Northern Oregon Wineries and Forest Bike Tour: $245
- Beautiful Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge : $99
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 dayPortland $17Victoria $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Portland
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:
- Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
- Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
- Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
- Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
- Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
- Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting: $111
- Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
- Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
- Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
- Bed and Breakfast Wine Tour - Small Group, Joinable/Sharable: $198
- From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210
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 Portland and Victoria, we can see that Victoria 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 Portland Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portland or Victoria?
Portland has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland or Victoria in the Summer?
Both Victoria and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.
In July, Portland is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In July, Portland usually receives more rain than Victoria. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortland 68°F (20°C)Victoria 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Portland or Victoria in the Autumn?
Both Victoria and Portland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Portland is a little warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Portland usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Victoria. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortland 55°F (13°C)Victoria 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Portland or Victoria in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Victoria. Many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Victoria can be very cold during winter. Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Portland is cooler than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Portland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Victoria. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortland 40°F (4°C)Victoria 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Portland or Victoria in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Portland as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Portland is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Portland usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortland 51°F (11°C)Victoria 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Victoria and Portland
| Portland | Victoria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 14°C (58°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 16°C (61°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 11°C (52°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) | 8°C (46°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 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.