Which city is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Virginia Beach for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Charlotte or Virginia Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Virginia Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Virginia Beach?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlotte $153Virginia Beach $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $153, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $104. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Charlotte and Virginia Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $94Virginia Beach $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $188Virginia Beach $120
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Virginia Beach
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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.
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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $27Virginia Beach $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by SUV: $141
- Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT by SUV: $140
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by Sedan car: $86
- Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT Sedan Car: $85
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- Charlotte City to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $38
- Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $38
Typical Local Transportation prices in Virginia Beach
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:
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Beach Parking$10
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Virginia Beach?
Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Charlotte 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
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Food Meals for one dayCharlotte $37Virginia Beach $25
Typical Food prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Charlotte $34Virginia Beach $17
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- Belize Jungle Limo - Triple Activity Tour: $50
- Charlotte Beyond the Grave Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour: $18
- Charlotte Comedy City PG-13 Tour: $35
- Charlotte Comedy City Tour: $30
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: $23
- Charlotte's Historical City Tour: $38
- 90-Minute Electric Cart City Sightseeing Tour: $40
- Historic Uptown 90-Minute Segway Tour: $60
- Queen City Ghost Tour: $22
- Discover Charlotte Historic City: Segway Tour: $234
- Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $60
- Private and Custom Tours: $75
Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.
- All-Inclusive, Autumn Weekend Tour for GROUPS of 10-16: $5,901
- RIDE ALONG GREEK GODS & AQUATISM *Certified Tours*: $75
- Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $62
- Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $62
- Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour of Linkhorn Bay: $41
- Tour of Virginia Beach (half day), for GROUPS of 10-16: $499
- Tour of Virginia Beach, for GROUPS of 10-16: $831
- Haunted Walking Ghost Tour: $22
- Wetland Zip Tour: $61
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlotte $16Virginia Beach $8.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- Haunted Charlotte Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
- Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $41
- 3-Hour Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Virginia Beach, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte than you might in Virginia Beach.
When is the best time to visit Charlotte or Virginia Beach?
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 Charlotte or Virginia Beach in the Summer?
Both Virginia Beach and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Virginia Beach stays around 79°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?
Both Virginia Beach and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.
Charlotte is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the autumn. The temperature in Charlotte is usually 63°F (17°C) in October, and Virginia Beach stays around 62°F (16°C).
In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.
Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Virginia Beach. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Virginia Beach in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Virginia Beach. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months.
Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Charlotte is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January are around 42°F (6°C), and Virginia Beach is about 39°F (4°C).
Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Virginia Beach in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Virginia Beach. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach stays around 58°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.
Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Virginia Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 49°F (10°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.7 inches (145 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
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