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

Should you visit Sacramento or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sacramento travel costs.

Victoria

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

Sacramento and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Sacramento or Victoria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Victoria than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Victoria, Victoria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Victoria is more popular for its hiking, while Sacramento is known for its museums and attractions. Victoria is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also home to Butchart Gardens. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sacramento
Victoria

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile 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 Sacramento or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sacramento
Victoria

Both Sacramento and Victoria offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Sacramento has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Victoria area. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Sacramento or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Sacramento
Victoria

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Sacramento and Victoria.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

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 Sacramento or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Sacramento
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Victoria?

Sacramento
Victoria

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Sacramento and Victoria.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sacramento. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Many visitors go to Victoria to go shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Sacramento or Victoria Better for Families?

Sacramento
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Victoria is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Sacramento or Victoria Better for Couples?

Sacramento
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.


Is Sacramento or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sacramento
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Sacramento
Victoria

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Sacramento and Victoria.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses 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 Sacramento or Victoria a more walkable city?

Sacramento
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.


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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Sacramento or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Sacramento. 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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sacramento 1-2 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Sacramento or Victoria?

The city of Sacramento 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.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic 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 Sacramento or Victoria?

Sacramento 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento or Victoria?

Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Victoria?

Sacramento 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural 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 Sacramento?

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

  • Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sacramento $320
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $320, 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 Sacramento and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sacramento $111
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sacramento $222
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento 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 Sacramento


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: Sacramento Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $186
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294
  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294

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 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: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $92
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Thai Cooking Class in Southeastern Sacramento (4-Course Menu): $108
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

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
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $144
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $219

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sacramento $19
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • 60 Minute Adventures - The Escape Game at The Galleria: $42
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • City Cruises Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise 21+: $49
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Granite Adventure at Quarry Park Adventures Rocklin, CA: $59
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99

Tours and Activities in Victoria

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

  • 60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour: $227
  • 60-minute Haunted Halloween 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
  • COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix: $104
  • Chinatown and Hidden Alleys Pedicab Tour: $92
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: $88
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $128
  • Eat Like a Canadian Food & Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • From Vancouver: Victoria Tour with Ferry & Butchart Gardens: $186
  • From Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac Boat: $136

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sacramento $12
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

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

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174

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


Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Victoria?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Victoria in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Sacramento is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sacramento in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sacramento or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Sacramento during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Sacramento is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 64°F (18°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sacramento or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Victoria. Most visitors come to Sacramento 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. Sacramento is a little warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Victoria. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Sacramento or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Victoria.

In the spring, Sacramento is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sacramento in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Victoria. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Sacramento

Sacramento Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)