A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boca Raton vs. Victoria for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Victoria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Victoria. While Victoria is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Victoria is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Victoria?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Victoria

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

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Boca Raton has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Hiking trails can be found around both Boca Raton and Victoria, and they are nice.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Victoria?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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

Is Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Both Boca Raton and Victoria are excellent family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton and Victoria both excellent destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

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

Boca Raton
Victoria

Boca Raton is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Boca Raton has some public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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 Boca Raton or Victoria a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Victoria

Victoria is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

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

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.


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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Boca Raton or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boca Raton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Victoria. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boca Raton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Boca Raton or Victoria?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 relaxing 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 Boca Raton or Victoria?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Boca Raton or Victoria?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boca Raton, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Boca Raton or Victoria?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Boca Raton?

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

  • Boca Raton Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boca Raton $332
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $332, 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 Boca Raton and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

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

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84

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 Boca Raton or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Boca Raton 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
    Boca Raton $117
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

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

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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.
    Boca Raton $28
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

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

  • Boca Raton Food and Drink Tour: $104
  • Boca Raton Premium Jet Ski Tour - Optional Snorkeling/Lighthouse: $270
  • Boca Raton to Miami on High Speed Train with City Tour: $150
  • 23ft Boat Tour with Snorkeling/Tubing/Island: $535
  • Private Jet Ski Tour with Optional Snorkeling: $250
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

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
    Boca Raton $40
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Victoria, we can see that Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Victoria. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Boca Raton or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Victoria. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton 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. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Victoria. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Victoria in the Spring?

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

Boca Raton is much warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)