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

Should you visit Monterey 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 Monterey 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Monterey 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.

Monterey and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Victoria are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Victoria attracts visitors for its hiking. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Monterey different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

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

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey 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 Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Victoria Better for Hiking?

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

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Victoria?

Monterey 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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

Is Monterey or Victoria Better for Families?

Monterey is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Monterey or Victoria Better for Couples?

Monterey and Victoria both excellent destinations for a couple.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Monterey or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey and Victoria are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Monterey and Victoria.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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 Monterey or Victoria a more walkable city?

Monterey and Victoria are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Monterey or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

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

One day in Monterey or Victoria?

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Monterey or Victoria?

Monterey 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 Monterey, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Monterey or Victoria?

Monterey 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.

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 Monterey or Victoria?

Monterey 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.

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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Monterey and Victoria, we can see that Monterey is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Victoria?

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

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

Monterey is around the same temperature as Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Victoria. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Monterey during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Monterey is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Monterey in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Victoria. Many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Monterey is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than Victoria. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Monterey or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

Monterey is a little warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Victoria. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Monterey