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

Should you visit Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key 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: Big Pine Key or Victoria?

Big Pine Key

If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!

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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Big Pine Key?

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

  • Big Pine Key Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Big Pine Key $174
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, 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 Big Pine Key and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key


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: Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    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
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Big Pine Key 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
    Big Pine Key $72
    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.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Victoria $45

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
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Victoria $16

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 comparing the travel costs between Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In July, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Victoria. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Big Pine Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Victoria. 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. Big Pine Key is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Victoria. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Victoria.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Victoria. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)