Virginia Beach is a bustling coastal city known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Virginia Beach?
You should plan to spend around $148 per day on your vacation in Virginia Beach. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $52 on meals
- $39 on local transportation
- $142 on hotels
A one week trip to Virginia Beach for two people costs, on average, $2,072. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,036
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,072
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One Month
Per person
$4,440
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One Week
For a couple
$2,072
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,144
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One Month
For a couple
$8,880
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Virginia Beach cost?
A one week trip to Virginia Beach usually costs around $1,036 for one person and $2,072 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Virginia Beach on average costs around $2,072 for one person and $4,144 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Virginia Beach will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Virginia Beach on average costs around $4,440 for one person and $8,880 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Virginia Beach expensive to visit?
Virginia Beach is a smaller coastal city that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Virginia Beach can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $63 per day, mid-range travelers spend $148 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $311 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Virginia Beach.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Virginia Beach is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Virginia Beach Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Virginia Beach?
The average Virginia Beach trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Virginia Beach travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Virginia Beach cost?
Virginia Beach on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$30
|
$71
|
$148
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$17
|
$39
|
$75
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
|
$52
|
$115
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9.20
|
$21
|
$40
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
|
$5-16
|
$10-31
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Virginia Beach, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $63 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
So, are you average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Virginia Beach will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $148 per person, per day.
Virginia Beach offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Westin Virginia Beach is an excellent option for kids, and DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront South is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Virginia Beach here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $311 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the coastal city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more.
Accommodation Budget in Virginia Beach
Prices for hotels in Virginia Beach vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $233, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $435. With options ranging from $104 to $978, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Virginia Beach for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $142. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $71 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Virginia Beach include:
- Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North starting at $209
- The Atrium Resort Virginia Beach starting at $153
- Ocean Sands Resort starting at $190
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront starting at $207
If you're headed to Virginia Beach with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
Many visitors to Virginia Beach stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach lacks an efficient public transit system. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.
Unfortunately, many areas of the coastal city do not support walking. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $39 per person, per day, on local transportation in Virginia Beach. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Virginia Beach is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$39
When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.
How much does it cost to go to Virginia Beach? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Virginia Beach will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Virginia Beach are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Virginia Beach. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Food Budget in Virginia Beach
Food options are limited and not of the best quality in Virginia Beach. It's better not to spend too much money trying to eat out because there are other activities that are more worth your time. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Virginia Beach can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Virginia Beach is $52 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$52
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Virginia Beach is around $52 ($52) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $115. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Virginia Beach are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
There are plenty of seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach that range from casual to fine dining. Many restaurants offer an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. The quality of the food can vary somewhat, but it is a good way to sample everything that is available in a large scale. There are also plenty of diners, cafes, and bars in the area. A filling pancake breakfast is a great way to start your morning. Other options around town include Mexican, burgers, sandwiches, and pizza.
When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Virginia Beach, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Authentic Filipino Cooking Class in Virginia Beach with Maria for $81 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Virginia Beach
The reason people visit Virginia Beach is clear, as it offers family-friendly activities, nightlife, resorts, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Virginia Beach typically cost an average of $21 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
In addition to spending time on the beach, there are plenty of sights and activities that you can enjoy in the Virginia Beach area. The area has several historical sights of interest. First Landing Cross is the location where English settlers originally hit land in 1607. The Military Aviation Museum has the world's largest private collection of World War I and World War II aircraft. For natural and environmental attractions consider visiting the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, which has art and artifacts relating to migratory wildfowl that are native to the area. The Old Coast Guard Station now has a museum with old rescue equipment and a history of shipwrecks in the area. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center has various aquariums and live animals which you can see. Also consider visiting the State Parks and National Wildlife Refuge which has over 18,000 acres of state owned land. It is also worth checking out the Virginia Beach Farmer's Market, which is a rural outdoor market that has local produce, dairy products, and meat, as well as handmade gifts and souvenirs. There's a restaurant on site as well.
Virginia Beach is a great vacation destination for families as there are many activities that children can enjoy. There are evening dolphin tours that take you out on the water and give you a chance to glimpse these fun animals. There are also some good state parks and some great places for hiking and kayaking if you're looking to get away from the tourist crowds and experience a little more nature.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Virginia Beach. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim for $90 details
- Wetland Zip Tour for $65 details
- Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours for $68 details
Nightlife Budget in Virginia Beach
For nightlife seekers, Virginia Beach has some activities, but it lacks the vibrancy of other more favored destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $11 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Virginia Beach per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Traveling in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It's a popular beach destination and has many of the characteristics of most southeastern beach towns. There are many activities that you can enjoy and there's a concrete boardwalk that runs parallel to the water for about three miles. The boardwalk is a fun place to walk or bicycle. The beach itself is wide and sandy and is a great place to soak up some sun. During the summer months and school holidays it can get quite crowded and you might struggle to find a place for your towel and beach chairs. There are also many beach side resorts that line the water front. Most have pools and hot tubs where you can relax and some hotels have indoor pools as well, which can be nice during the cool winter months.
The weather in Virginia Beach is comfortable and mild most of the year. Like the rest of the southeastern United States, it can get quite hot during the summer months, but if you stay on the beach you can expect a cool breeze to help you stay comfortable. It does get colder during the winter month, but fall and spring remain pleasant. Don't be surprised if the water is warm enough to swim well into October.
Neighborhoods & Around
Virginia Beach can be divided into seven boroughs. These include Bayside, Blackwater, Kempsville, Lynnhaven, Princess Anne, Pungo, and Virginia Beach. Within Virginia Beach proper there are many unique neighborhoods including Alanton, Bay Colony, Bayside, Cape Henry, Chesapeake Beach, Croatan Beach, Great Neck Point, Green Run, Kempsville, Lago Mar, London Bridge, Lynnhaven, Newtown, Oceana, Ocean Park, Pembroke Manor, Princess Anne, Pungo, Red Mill Commons, Sandbridge, Thalia, and Thoroughgood.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
For us, parking was one of the most expensive parts of our trip, so if you can avoid driving, that will save you tons of money.