A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nantucket vs. Victoria for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Nantucket 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 Nantucket and Victoria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Nantucket and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
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 food


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Victoria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Nantucket different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket
Victoria

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nantucket or Victoria.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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.


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

Nantucket
Victoria

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Victoria

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Nantucket and Victoria.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Victoria. 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 Nantucket or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Victoria

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

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Victoria

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

Many people visit Nantucket for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Victoria Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Victoria

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Victoria

Nantucket is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Victoria?

Nantucket
Victoria

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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

Is Nantucket or Victoria More Beautiful?

Nantucket
Victoria

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

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nantucket or Victoria Better for Families?

Nantucket
Victoria

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

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Victoria is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Victoria Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Victoria

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantucket
Victoria

Victoria is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

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

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket
Victoria

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

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket or Victoria a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Victoria

Nantucket and Victoria are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Victoria?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Nantucket or Victoria?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Victoria. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nantucket or Victoria?

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantucket, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Victoria. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nantucket or Victoria?

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic city of Victoria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Victoria?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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 Nantucket?

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

  • Nantucket Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nantucket $409
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $409, 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 Nantucket and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Victoria $37

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
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $141
    Victoria $47

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.
    Nantucket $34
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Nantucket

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nantucket.

  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Audio Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Walking Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Discover Nantucket Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Historical Tour of Nantucket: $57
  • Nantucket Coast to Coast Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Downtown Walking Tour: $120
  • Guided Bike Tour: $160
  • Guided Scenic Island Driving Tour: $160
  • Historical Landmarks Sightseeing Bus Tour: $53

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
    Nantucket $35
    Victoria $16

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Victoria. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nantucket is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Victoria. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nantucket or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Nantucket is around the same temperature as Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Nantucket or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nantucket 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. The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. In the winter, Nantucket is much colder than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In January, Nantucket usually receives less rain than Victoria. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Nantucket or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Nantucket during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In April, Nantucket is generally cooler than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Nantucket

Nantucket Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)