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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Virginia Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a thriving, bustling, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Chattanooga and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chattanooga than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Chattanooga, Chattanooga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chattanooga is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Chattanooga is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also home to Rock City. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Chattanooga different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

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

Chattanooga offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

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 Chattanooga or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

It's hard to distinguish whether Chattanooga or Virginia Beach has a better nightlife scene.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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.

Is Chattanooga or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.


Is Chattanooga or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Chattanooga or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

Chattanooga is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Chattanooga or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach is known to be 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Chattanooga or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

With fun activities for couples, both Chattanooga and Virginia Beach make for a good place to visit.

Chattanooga is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Virginia Beach is a nice destination for couples. 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 Chattanooga or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga is not popular with students.


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

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

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

The public transit in Chattanooga can get you around easily. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Chattanooga
Virginia Beach

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

Chattanooga is a very walkable city. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

Both Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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


  • How many days in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chattanooga 2-3 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

In Chattanooga, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Chattanooga. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Chattanooga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $182, 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 Chattanooga and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $92
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $184
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga


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: Chattanooga Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Virginia Beach $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

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 Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Chattanooga 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
    Chattanooga $59
    Virginia Beach $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chattanooga $52
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • 2-Hour Paddleboard Adventure to Nickajack Bat Cave: $75
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44

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
    Chattanooga $24
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Virginia Beach, we can see that Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chattanooga is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 81°F (27°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Chattanooga gets 265 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, 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 Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Chattanooga is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chattanooga in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Virginia Beach. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Virginia Beach. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In April, Chattanooga is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 62°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)