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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Victoria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative 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 Minneapolis travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Victoria travel costs.

Minneapolis and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Victoria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis
Victoria

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis
Victoria

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

Minneapolis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis
Victoria

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

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Minneapolis
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Victoria has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Victoria?

Minneapolis
Victoria

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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

Is Minneapolis or Victoria Better for Families?

Minneapolis
Victoria

Minneapolis and Victoria are both great destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Victoria is known to be 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 Minneapolis or Victoria Better for Couples?

Minneapolis
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.


Is Minneapolis or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Minneapolis
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Victoria Better for Students?

Minneapolis
Victoria

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

Many students visit Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis
Victoria

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

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers 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 Minneapolis or Victoria a more walkable city?

Minneapolis
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Victoria?

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

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

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


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

One day in Minneapolis or Victoria?

The city of Minneapolis 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic city of Victoria. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Victoria?

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Victoria. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Minneapolis or Victoria?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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.

The cultural city of Victoria offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Victoria?

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Minneapolis?

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

  • Minneapolis Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Minneapolis $235
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $235, 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 Minneapolis and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minneapolis $110
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minneapolis $220
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis


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: Minneapolis Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minneapolis $43
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Rochester: One-Way Shared Transfer to or from MSP: $49

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 Minneapolis or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $70
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $96

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.
    Minneapolis $27
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul: Private Highlights Riding Tour: $550
  • Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $47
  • Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball Game Ticket: $33
  • Mississippi River Cruise with Narration: $28
  • Past and Present Walking Tour: $60
  • Ultimate Minneapolis Walking Tour & Weatherproof Skyway Loop: $79

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
    Minneapolis $24
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl: Hidden Bars & Stories: $79
  • Highest Rated 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour in Minneapolis: $100

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


Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Victoria?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minneapolis is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In July, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Victoria. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Minneapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Minneapolis is generally around the same temperature as Victoria. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Victoria. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Victoria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Victoria can be very cold. Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis is much colder than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Victoria. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Victoria. The spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Minneapolis

Minneapolis Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)