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

Should you visit Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

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

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

Beaufort

Beaufort is a southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

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.

Beaufort and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaufort. Although Beaufort and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Beaufort has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaufort is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also well known for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Beaufort different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

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

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

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

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

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 Beaufort or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Beaufort or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.


Is Beaufort or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Both Beaufort and Virginia Beach have nice beaches worth visiting.

Beaufort has a beach worth visiting. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. 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.

Is Beaufort or Virginia Beach Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Beaufort is great for its old town. However, Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Beaufort to see the historical old town. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Beaufort 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 Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Beaufort or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Beaufort or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

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

Beaufort is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Virginia Beach is a good town 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 Beaufort or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal 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.

Beaufort is not popular with students.


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

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

Neither Beaufort or Virginia Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

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

Is Beaufort or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Beaufort
Virginia Beach

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

Beaufort is a very walkable town. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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 Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Both Beaufort 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 Beaufort. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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


  • How many days in Beaufort or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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.


A weekend in Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Beaufort is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 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.

Five days in Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaufort. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Beaufort?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaufort is $131, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Beaufort and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or Virginia Beach? 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 Beaufort


Hotels in Virginia Beach


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: Beaufort Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Virginia Beach $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

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


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Beaufort 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
    Beaufort $31
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $32
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Virginia Beach $11


When comparing the travel costs between Beaufort and Virginia Beach, we can see that Beaufort 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 Beaufort Expensive? and Is Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Virginia Beach. The summer months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Beaufort is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaufort in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the summer, Beaufort often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Virginia Beach. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 68°F (20°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Beaufort during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. Beaufort is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Beaufort often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Beaufort is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaufort in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Beaufort

Beaufort Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)