Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Vancouver?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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: Vancouver or Victoria?
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVancouver $142Victoria $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Vancouver is $142, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $183. 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 Vancouver and Victoria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVancouver $87Victoria $114
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVancouver $174Victoria $228
Compare Hotels in Vancouver and Victoria
Looking for a hotel in Vancouver 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: Vancouver Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vancouver $12Victoria $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.41
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.80
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- YVR Airport: Private Airport Transfer to/from Vancouver: $51
- YVR Airport Transfer to Squamish: $411
- YVR Airport Transfer to Fraser Valley: $618
- Transfer Downtown - Canada Place Cruise Terminal: $138
- Private Transfer to Whistler with Sightseeing: $546
- Private Transfer to Whistler: $468
- Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal: $175
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $509
- Private Transfer - Canada Place Cruise Terminal: $73
- North Shore Mountains Snowshoeing with Transfer: $116
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $60
- Airport Transfer Service To Burnaby: $407
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria
Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Scenic Seaplane transfer to Whistler : $239
- From Scenic Seaplane transfer to Vancouver : $229
- From Victoria:Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Salt Spring Island: $123
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $88
- Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $88
- Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Vancouver or Victoria?
Prices for flights to both Victoria and Vancouver 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
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Food Meals for one dayVancouver $31Victoria $27
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $85
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $93
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $101
- Private Historical Food Tour of Gastown : $108
- Granvile Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $112
- VIP Access Granville Island Market Walking Food Tour: $113
- Granvile Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $115
- Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $123
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $125
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $135
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: $67
- Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vancouver $36Victoria $46
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $131
- Tour in a Mountain canyon and Ocean view from the Rock: $75
- Victoria 1-Day Tour From Vancouver: $178
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $194
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $233
- 3 Days Leavenworth & Portland X'mas Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $291
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,400
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $454
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $580
- 4 Hours Private tour of City of Vancouver.: $299
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $332
Tours and Activities in Victoria
For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Victoria Highlights Private Walking Tour: $220
- 3-Hour Private Walking Tour of Victoria's Highlights: $300
- 4 Hour Afternoon Whale Watching Tour: $168
- 4 Hour Morning Whale Watching Tour: $168
- 60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour: $205
- 75-Minute The Royal Tour: $246
- Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria: $205
- Best of Victoria City Highlights Private Tour Day or Evening : $295
- Bike 3-hour City Highlights Tour & coastal ride: $94
- Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour: $327
- Butchart Gardens and City Tour: $180
- Butchart Gardens: Magic of Christmas Ticket & Transportation: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVancouver $16Victoria $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver Mansions Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $25
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $90
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $90
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $123
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $135
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $137
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $149
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $167
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: $49
- Victoria Craft Brewery Tour: $89
- Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $134
- Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $436
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vancouver and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Victoria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Victoria than you might in Vancouver.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vancouver Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vancouver or Victoria?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver or Victoria in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vancouver and Victoria.
In July, Vancouver is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Vancouver average around 18°C (64°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In July, Vancouver usually receives more rain than Victoria. Vancouver gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVancouver 18°C (64°F)Victoria 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Vancouver or Victoria in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vancouver as well as Victoria.
Vancouver is around the same temperature as Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vancouver averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Vancouver usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Vancouver gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVancouver 11°C (51°F)Victoria 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Vancouver or Victoria in the Winter?
Both Victoria and Vancouver are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. In the winter, Vancouver is cooler than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vancouver in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. It's quite rainy in Vancouver. In January, Vancouver usually receives more rain than Victoria. Vancouver gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVancouver 4°C (40°F)Victoria 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Vancouver or Victoria in the Spring?
Both Victoria and Vancouver during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Vancouver is generally around the same temperature as Victoria. Daily temperatures in Vancouver average around 9°C (49°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. Vancouver usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Vancouver gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVancouver 9°C (49°F)Victoria 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Victoria and Vancouver
| Vancouver | Victoria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 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.