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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Jacksonville and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Virginia Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

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

Jacksonville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville for the nightlife scene. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.


Is Jacksonville or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville is great for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jacksonville is well-known for its shopping. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Jacksonville or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Virginia Beach. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.


Is Jacksonville or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville and Virginia Beach both good destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Jacksonville or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Both Jacksonville and Virginia Beach are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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.


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

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Virginia Beach

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

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

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

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


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

One day in Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

In Jacksonville, you'll find museums 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.

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this relaxing coastal city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Jacksonville. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Virginia Beach in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Virginia Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $342
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $198
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • JAX Airport Transfer to One Ocean Resort and Spa: $181
  • Carnival Cruise Port Private Transfer : $165
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Aloft Tapestry Park: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Tru By Hilton Jacksonville St Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Marriott Jacksonville Downtown: $147
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank: $147
  • Marriott Jacksonville Downtown Transfer to JAX: $134

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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Virginia Beach $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18
  • Small Group Walking Food Tour in Jacksonville with Lunch Included: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: $96
  • Best of the Beaches E-Bike Tour: $100
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Virginia Beach $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • Jacksonville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Jacksonville or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Virginia Beach. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Virginia Beach. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)