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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Cincinnati and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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 Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cincinnati than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Cincinnati, Cincinnati has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cincinnati is better known for its museums and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. Also, Cincinnati is famous for the Cincinnati Zoo.

How is Cincinnati different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cincinnati and Virginia Beach.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

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 Cincinnati or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Cincinnati or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cincinnati or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.


Is Cincinnati or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cincinnati or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.


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

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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 Cincinnati or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Virginia Beach

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

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

Both Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

In Cincinnati, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

Cincinnati 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.

With nightlife around the destination of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

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

Virginia Beach, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Cincinnati. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, 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 Cincinnati and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Virginia Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

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 Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Virginia Beach $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $19
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Tour: $89

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
    Cincinnati $11
    Virginia Beach $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

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

Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, 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 Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Cincinnati gets 298 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. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cincinnati is cooler than Virginia Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October average around 58°F (15°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

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

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In January, Cincinnati is generally much colder than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Virginia Beach. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, 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 Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)