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

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Victoria

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

Saint Petersburg and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Victoria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Victoria is more popular for its hiking. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Saint Petersburg or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Victoria.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

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 Saint Petersburg or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Victoria. 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Victoria both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Victoria offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Saint Petersburg or Victoria Better for Families?

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

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Victoria is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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 Saint Petersburg or Victoria Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Victoria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination 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.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Saint Petersburg and Victoria both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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 Saint Petersburg or Victoria a more walkable city?

Victoria is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

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

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

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

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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

The coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Victoria. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Petersburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxing city of Victoria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

Victoria is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Victoria, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Victoria. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Victoria. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Victoria. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg 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. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Victoria. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Saint Petersburg