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

Should you visit Sarasota or Victoria?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Victoria. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Sarasota or Victoria?

Sarasota

Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.

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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Sarasota?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $249, 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 Sarasota and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota 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 Sarasota


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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarasota -
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
  • Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48

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 Sarasota or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $137
    Victoria $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
  • Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
  • Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165

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.
    Sarasota $11
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

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

  • Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
  • Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
  • 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
  • 2 Hour Jet ski Rental Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $240
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
  • 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
  • 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island, FL: $75
  • Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
  • Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
  • Anna Maria Island Paddleboard Tours: $65
  • Bradenton: Guided Pedal Kayak Tour: $999

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
    Sarasota -
    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 Sarasota and Victoria, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Victoria?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarasota is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Victoria. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sarasota or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Victoria. The shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In October, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Victoria. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sarasota or Victoria in the Winter?

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

Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. Sarasota is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Victoria. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Sarasota or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Sarasota during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Sarasota is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Sarasota usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Sarasota

Sarasota Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)