A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Virginia Beach for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Austin or Virginia Beach?

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

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

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Austin and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Virginia Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Virginia Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Austin different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Austin is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Austin is a must-see party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. 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.

Is Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for its live music scene. However, Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Austin. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Virginia Beach?

Austin 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Virginia Beach is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Austin and Virginia Beach are both nice to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Austin or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Austin is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

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

Austin 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 Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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 Austin or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Austin and Virginia Beach both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Austin?

How long in Austin or Virginia Beach?

Both Austin and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Austin. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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

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

One day in Austin or Virginia Beach?

In Austin, you'll find nightlife and live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Virginia Beach?

Austin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Virginia Beach?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Austin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Virginia Beach, we can see that Austin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Virginia Beach?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Virginia Beach, 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 Austin or Virginia Beach?

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 Austin or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the summer, Austin often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Austin usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Virginia Beach. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Austin is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Virginia Beach. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. Austin is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Austin is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Austin