A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grande-Terre vs. Virginia Beach for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Grande-Terre 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.

Where Should I go: Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach?

Grande-Terre

Grande Terre is an island that makes up the eastern half of the Guadeloupe 'mainland.' It is divided from the other half of the main Guadeloupe island, Basse Terre, by a narrow channel called Rivière Salee (or the Salt River). The island itself is characterized by rolling hills, white sand beaches, and cliffs, and its indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs. It is home to most of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Grande-Terre?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Grande-Terre is $155, 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 Grande-Terre and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grande-Terre $87
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grande-Terre $174
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Grande-Terre and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Grande-Terre 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 Grande-Terre


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: Grande-Terre Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grande-Terre $9.64
    Virginia Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grande-Terre

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grande-Terre:

  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Departure Private Transfer from Saint-Francois to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $92
  • Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport to Deshaies or Trois Riviers by SUV: $91
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island hotel-Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Private Transfer in Guadeloupe: $71
  • Departure Private Transfer from Sainte-Anne to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $60
  • Private Transfers (Airport, Port, Hotels) Guadeloupe : $55
  • Departure Private Transfer from Le Gosier to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Le Gosier by SUV: $50
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Departure Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $42
  • Arrival Private Transfer Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Pointe a Pitre by SUV: $41

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 Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Grande-Terre 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
    Grande-Terre $51
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grande-Terre $48
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Grande-Terre

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

  • *Cruise Stopover* - Tropical Forest - Sainte-Anne Beach: $60
  • Cruise Stopover at Village Sainte Anne and its Beach: $32
  • Cruise stopover - Plage du Gosier Round trip: $15
  • Full Day Private Boat Tour to the Lagoon of Guadeloupe: $231
  • Full Day Tour of Guadeloupe: $158
  • Guided tour by electric tuk-tuk: $49
  • Photoshoot + Drone on a Caribbean paradise beach or day tour : $101
  • Private Surf Lessons Tour in Guadeloupe: $97
  • Private Ultralight Seaplane Experience in Guadeloupe: $170
  • Stand Up Paddle Adventure in Guadeloupe: $49
  • Stopover Cruise - Valombreuse Botanical Garden + Sainte-Anne Beach: $49

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
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grande-Terre $13
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grande-Terre and Virginia Beach, we can see that Grande-Terre is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grande-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Virginia Beach is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Grande-Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grande-Terre 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 Grande-Terre Expensive? and Is Virginia Beach Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grande-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Grande-Terre during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grande-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Grande-Terre averages around 27°C (81°F) 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 Grande-Terre. In the summer, Grande-Terre often gets less sunshine than Virginia Beach. Grande-Terre gets 245 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 Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Virginia Beach. Grande-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grande-Terre and Virginia Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grande-Terre year-round. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Grande-Terre is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grande-Terre in October average around 27°C (80°F), 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. In Grande-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grande-Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Grande-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Grande-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grande-Terre usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Grande-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grande-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grande-Terre as well as Virginia Beach. Grande-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In January, Grande-Terre is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Grande-Terre average around 24°C (76°F), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grande-Terre this time of the year. In the winter, Grande-Terre often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Grande-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Grande-Terre usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Virginia Beach. Grande-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grande-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Grande-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grande-Terre throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

Grande-Terre is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Grande-Terre averages around 26°C (78°F) 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 Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during spring. Grande-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Grande-Terre. In April, Grande-Terre usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Grande-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grande-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)