A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key West vs. Victoria for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Key West or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Key West or Victoria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a eclectic, bustling, and active town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Key West travel costs.

Victoria

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

Key West and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Victoria are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Victoria is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Victoria and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also home to Duval Street. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Key West different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Victoria?

Victoria is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Key West has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

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

Key West has a large number of nightlife venues. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 Key West or Victoria Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Key West to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West 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 Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Victoria Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Key West for it's beautiful beaches. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Victoria Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Victoria does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Victoria?

Victoria is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Victoria offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Victoria More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Victoria Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Victoria.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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 Key West or Victoria Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Victoria make for a superb place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria is a popular place for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Victoria Better for Students?

Key West is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria is not popular with students.

Many students visit Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Victoria is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Victoria a more walkable city?

Victoria is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Key West?

How long in Key West or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Key West or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key West due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Key West 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 Victoria.

One day in Key West or Victoria?

The beautiful town of Key West offers nightlife and food. 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.

The city of Victoria 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.

A weekend in Key West or Victoria?

Key West 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.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Five days in Key West or Victoria?

Key West is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key West, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria 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.

A week in Key West or Victoria?

Key West is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key West has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Victoria 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Key West or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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 Key West 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 Key West or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Key West usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Victoria. The autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

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

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Victoria. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Victoria. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. Key West is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Key West usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Victoria. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Key West