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

Should you visit Providence 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 Providence 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.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Providence 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.

Providence and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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


Is there more to do in Providence or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Victoria than Providence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Victoria is very popular for its hiking, while Providence attracts visitors for its food. Victoria is more touristy than Providence and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Providence
Victoria

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Victoria and Providence.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's 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 Providence or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence
Victoria

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

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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 Providence or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Victoria

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

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

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 Providence or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Providence
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Victoria?

Providence
Victoria

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Victoria both offer plenty of nice spots.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

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

Is Providence or Victoria Better for Families?

Providence
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Providence or Victoria Better for Couples?

Providence
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Victoria is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.


Is Providence or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Providence
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

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

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Victoria Better for Students?

Providence
Victoria

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

Many students visit Providence. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Providence
Victoria

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

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel 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 Providence or Victoria a more walkable city?

Providence
Victoria

Providence and Victoria are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Providence is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore 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 Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Providence?

How long in Providence or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Providence or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Providence. 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 Providence. 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 Providence 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 Providence or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Providence or Victoria?

The city of Providence 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.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Victoria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Victoria?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Victoria, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Providence or Victoria?

Providence 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Victoria?

Providence 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping 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 Providence?

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

  • Providence Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Providence $245
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $245, 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 Providence and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Providence and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Providence 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 Providence


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: Providence Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $40
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $40
  • Providence to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $133
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $125
  • Private Airport Transfer TO/FROM Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $32

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 Providence or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Providence 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
    Providence $82
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

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

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $99
  • Federal Hill Dinner Stroll A Guided Italian Culinary Experience: $150
  • Federal Hill Dinner Stroll with Italian Dinner: $150

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.
    Providence $26
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Downtown and Brown Self Guided App GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $46
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Dark Tales: Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $35
  • Dark Tales: The Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $30
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $45
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $54
  • Haunted Boat Tours in Providence: $55
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Historic Providence Boat Tours: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Providence RI: $15
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30

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
    Providence $13
    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 Providence and Victoria, we can see that Providence 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 Providence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Providence 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 Providence Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Providence or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

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

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Victoria. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Providence or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Victoria. The shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Providence is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Providence or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Providence 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. In January, Providence is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Victoria. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Providence or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit.

Providence is around the same temperature as Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Providence

Providence Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)