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

Should you visit Dallas or Victoria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Victoria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Dallas travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Dallas and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Dallas or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Victoria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dallas is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Victoria is known for its hiking. Victoria is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas
Victoria

Dallas 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 Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Victoria

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

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Victoria

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

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Dallas
Victoria

Victoria is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Victoria. 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Victoria?

Dallas
Victoria

Dallas 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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

Is Dallas or Victoria Better for Families?

Dallas
Victoria

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Dallas or Victoria.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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.

Is Dallas or Victoria Better for Couples?

Dallas
Victoria

Both Dallas and Victoria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Victoria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Dallas or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dallas
Victoria

Victoria is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Victoria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

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

Dallas
Victoria

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

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas or Victoria a more walkable city?

Dallas
Victoria

Victoria is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Victoria?

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

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

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


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

One day in Dallas or Victoria?

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Victoria. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Victoria?

Dallas 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dallas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Victoria is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Victoria?

Dallas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Dallas or Victoria?

Dallas is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Victoria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Dallas?

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

  • Dallas Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dallas $166
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $166, 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 Dallas and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $119
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $138
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $119
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $47
  • Private Arrival Transfer from DFW Airport to Dallas: $47
  • Plano/Allen to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $160
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $138
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • One Way DFW Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $110
  • Dallas to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Dallas 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
    Dallas $61
    Victoria $47
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • Downtown Dallas Walking Food Tour History and Cocktail Package : $25
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $95
  • Dallas Food Tour: 5 Epic Tastings in Deep Ellum: $99
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • Downtown Dallas Holiday Lights Food Tour: $100
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $104
  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available: $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.
    Dallas $13
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $60
  • Fort Worth Historical Tour from Dallas: $86
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $56
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Dallas : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $132
  • Dallas Cowboys Football Game Ticket at AT&T Stadium: $96
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $118
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Dallas and Fort Worth City Sightseeing Tour Small-Group: $135
  • Dallas and JFK Cruizer Tour : $35

Tours and Activities in Victoria

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

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour: $5.02
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Chinatown Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Royal B.C. Museum in Full-Day Admission Ticket: $21
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $24
  • Malahat SkyWalk Tickets: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Dallas Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $40
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55

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 Dallas and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Victoria?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dallas or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dallas is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Dallas usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Dallas or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Victoria. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Dallas is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Victoria. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Dallas or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Victoria. The winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. Dallas is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Dallas or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the spring, Dallas is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Victoria. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Dallas

Dallas Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)