A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Virginia Beach for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Clearwater or Virginia Beach?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Virginia Beach. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or Virginia Beach?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Virginia Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • From Orlando: Clearwater Beach Day with Transfers and Lunch: $100

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 Clearwater or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $46
    Virginia Beach $30

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

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • 1-Hour and 30 minutes Tiki Bar Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach: $55
  • 1-hour Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
  • 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $59
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2.5-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
  • Allens Aquatic Adventures: $350
  • Amazing Helicopter Tour of Treasure Island, John's Pass, Don CeSar Resort & Bay: $126

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $32
  • 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
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $63
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $39


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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach is bigger, and its population is about 3.9 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the population of Clearwater vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Virginia Beach. Additionally, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater 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 Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Virginia Beach. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Clearwater or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°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 Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. Clearwater is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Virginia Beach. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°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 Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Clearwater

Clearwater Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Clearwater vs. Virginia Beach Travel Comparison

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