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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a youthful, fun, and vibrant 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, beaches, and shopping. See Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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 Jacksonville or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Victoria. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Victoria attracts visitors for its hiking. Victoria is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville
Victoria

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville
Victoria

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

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Victoria

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

Jacksonville has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Jacksonville is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Victoria is not a beach destination.


Is Jacksonville or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Victoria?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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

Is Jacksonville or Victoria Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Victoria is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.


Is Jacksonville or Victoria Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Victoria is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Jacksonville and Victoria are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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

Is Jacksonville or Victoria Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Jacksonville is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Victoria is not popular with students.


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

Jacksonville
Victoria

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

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Victoria a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Victoria

Victoria is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.


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

One day in Jacksonville or Victoria?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. 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.

In Victoria, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Jacksonville or Victoria?

Jacksonville 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jacksonville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Victoria is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Victoria?

Jacksonville 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Victoria. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Victoria?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Jacksonville?

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

  • Jacksonville Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jacksonville $289
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $289, 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 Jacksonville and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Cruise Port Jacksonville: $108
  • Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Downtown Savannah Hotels: $300
  • Private Transfer JAX Airport to Ritz Carlton Amelia Island: $135
  • Miami: One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $78
  • Luxury Car Transfer JAX Airport to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $155
  • Jacksonville Airport Private Lux Car Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $139
  • Jacksonville Airport Limo Transfer to Hammock Beach Golf Resort: $275
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Jacksonville Airport to Casa Monica Resort and Spa Transfer: $189

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 Jacksonville or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $166
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville: $125

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.
    Jacksonville $20
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $8.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $145
  • All-Inclusive Progressive Culinary & History Experience: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option: $75
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $65
  • Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: $96
  • Avondale Brunch Tour (Jacksonville): $135
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • Bike Ride Through Ponte Vedra Beach Private Tour Florida: $27
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Daytona Beach: 3 Hour Coastal Discovery Boat Cruise: $150

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
    Jacksonville $20
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135

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 Jacksonville and Victoria, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Victoria?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Victoria. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Jacksonville or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Victoria. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Victoria. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 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 Jacksonville.


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

Typical Weather for Victoria and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)