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

Should you visit Seattle or Victoria?

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

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

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches. See Seattle travel costs.

Victoria

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

Seattle and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seattle or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Victoria. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Seattle different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Seattle or Victoria Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Victoria is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Victoria is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

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

Seattle has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle or Victoria Better for Music?

Seattle is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Victoria is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Seattle while you're in town. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Victoria is not a live music destination.

Is Seattle or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Seattle or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

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 Seattle or Victoria?

Both Seattle and Victoria are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Seattle to go shopping. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Victoria. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Seattle or Victoria More Beautiful?

Seattle is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seattle or Victoria Better for Families?

Victoria is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seattle or Victoria Better for Couples?

Victoria is notable for couples. Also, Seattle 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Seattle or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seattle and Victoria are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Victoria is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Is Seattle or Victoria Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

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

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle or Victoria a more walkable city?

Seattle and Victoria both are great when exploring on foot.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Seattle?

How long in Seattle or Victoria?

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

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

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

One day in Seattle or Victoria?

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Victoria, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seattle or Victoria?

Seattle 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Victoria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Seattle or Victoria?

Seattle 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seattle or Victoria?

Seattle is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours 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 Seattle and Victoria, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seattle or Victoria?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Seattle during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Seattle is a little warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 67°F (19°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Seattle usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Victoria. Many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Seattle is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seattle in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In October, Seattle usually receives more rain than Victoria. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seattle or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. In January, Seattle is generally around the same temperature as Victoria. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 42°F (5°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. Seattle usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Victoria. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Seattle is around the same temperature as Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Seattle usually receives more rain than Victoria. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Seattle