A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Virginia Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Fort Lauderdale has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Fort Lauderdale for the nightlife scene. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for the beach. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Virginia Beach are great family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

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

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city 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 Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Fort Lauderdale has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Virginia Beach. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Virginia Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 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 Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Virginia Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), 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 Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Virginia Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Fort Lauderdale