A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Victoria for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Alexandria travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Victoria travel costs.

Alexandria and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Victoria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Victoria. While Victoria is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Victoria attracts visitors for its hiking. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Alexandria different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Victoria and Alexandria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Victoria?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.


Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Alexandria has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Alexandria or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Victoria

The vibe at night is nice in both Alexandria and Victoria.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Victoria. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Alexandria or Victoria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.


Is Alexandria or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Alexandria
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Victoria offers some nice hiking trails. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Victoria?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Alexandria or Victoria More Beautiful?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Alexandria or Victoria Better for Families?

Alexandria
Victoria

Victoria is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Victoria. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Victoria Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria and Victoria both excellent destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Alexandria or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Victoria

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Victoria are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.


Is Alexandria or Victoria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Alexandria or Victoria a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Victoria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Victoria is very walkable. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Alexandria or Victoria. In our opinion, Alexandria has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Alexandria than Victoria. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Victoria. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Victoria if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alexandria.


  • How many days in Alexandria or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Alexandria or Victoria?

The beautiful city of Alexandria offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Victoria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Alexandria or Victoria?

Alexandria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alexandria, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Victoria, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Alexandria or Victoria?

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Victoria?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping 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 Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $0.00
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $201. 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 Alexandria and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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 Alexandria


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria

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

  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $86
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $88
  • Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $100
  • Indulge in a Wine & Food Tour - Cowichan Valley : $125
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $144
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69

Tours and Activities in Victoria

For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 24 Hour Hop-On, Hop-Off Double Decker Victoria City Tour: $44
  • 60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour: $227
  • 75-Minute The Royal Tour: $279
  • Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria: $227
  • Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour: $355
  • Butchart Gardens and City Private Tour: $292
  • COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix: $105
  • Chinatown and Hidden Alleys Pedicab Tour: $92
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: $88
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $129
  • Eat Like a Canadian Food & Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Evening Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour: $147

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria

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

  • Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery: $21
  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $52
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $86
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $118
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $126
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $132
  • Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour : $144
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Alexandria is much warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Victoria. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Victoria. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Victoria in the Winter?

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

Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Victoria. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Alexandria

Alexandria Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)