A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Virginia Beach vs. Victoria for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Victoria

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

Virginia Beach and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Victoria than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Victoria, Victoria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Victoria is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Victoria is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also home to Butchart Gardens. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Victoria has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

The vibe at night is good in both Virginia Beach and Victoria.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

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

Virginia Beach offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Victoria. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Victoria More Beautiful?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

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

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Virginia Beach and Victoria are both great destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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.

Is Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.


Is Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Victoria Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Virginia Beach or Victoria a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Victoria

Victoria is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Virginia Beach or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. 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 museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Virginia Beach 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.

Victoria is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Victoria. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Virginia Beach?

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

  • Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Virginia Beach $148
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $148, 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 Virginia Beach and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Victoria $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

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 Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) 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 Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $52
    Victoria $47

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.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $32
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $63
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!: $90
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $64

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
  • 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
  • Butchart Gardens and City Private Tour: $292
  • COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix: $104
  • Chinatown and Hidden Alleys Pedicab Tour: $92
  • Craigdarroch Castle Pedicab Tour: $176
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: $88
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $128

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    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 Virginia Beach and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Victoria?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Victoria. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Victoria. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for 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. Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. Virginia Beach is cooler than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Victoria. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Virginia Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)