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

Should you visit Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Pasadena travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Victoria travel costs.

Pasadena and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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


Is there more to do in Pasadena or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Victoria than Pasadena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Victoria is very popular for its hiking, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Victoria is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena
Victoria

Pasadena 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 Pasadena. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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 Pasadena or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pasadena
Victoria

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

Pasadena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

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 Pasadena or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena
Victoria

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

Pasadena has a large number of nightlife venues. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

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 Pasadena or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Pasadena
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Victoria?

Pasadena
Victoria

Pasadena 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 Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

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

Is Pasadena or Victoria Better for Families?

Pasadena
Victoria

Victoria is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Pasadena or Victoria Better for Couples?

Pasadena
Victoria

Victoria is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.


Is Pasadena or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pasadena
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Pasadena
Victoria

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

Pasadena has some public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

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 Pasadena or Victoria a more walkable city?

Pasadena
Victoria

Victoria is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.


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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Pasadena 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 Pasadena, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Pasadena. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Victoria than Pasadena. 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.

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


  • How many days in Pasadena or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pasadena 1-3 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Pasadena or Victoria?

The city of Pasadena offers food and shopping. 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 Pasadena or Victoria?

Pasadena 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena or Victoria?

Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Victoria?

Pasadena 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.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Pasadena?

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

  • Pasadena Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pasadena $76
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Pasadena is $76, 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 Pasadena and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pasadena $25
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pasadena $50
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Pasadena and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Pasadena 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 Pasadena


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: Pasadena Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pasadena $21
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682

Is it cheaper to fly into Pasadena or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Pasadena 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
    Pasadena $32
    Victoria $47
Typical Food Prices in Pasadena

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:


  • Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)
    $58

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.
    Pasadena -
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:

  • Los Angeles Chocolate Salon and Festival Entry Ticket: $20
  • Pasadena Ghost Tour: Purgatory Phantoms: $24

Tours and Activities in Victoria

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

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour: $5.02
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Chinatown Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Royal BC Museum Admission Ticket: $17
  • Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Royal B.C. Museum in Full-Day Admission Ticket: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pasadena -
    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 : $143
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pasadena and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Victoria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Victoria than you might in Pasadena.

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


Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Pasadena during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Pasadena is a little warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in July than Victoria. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Pasadena or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Victoria. The shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pasadena is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pasadena in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Victoria. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Pasadena or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Victoria. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 56°F (13°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pasadena or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Pasadena is much warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Victoria. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Pasadena

Pasadena Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)