A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Virginia Beach for Beaches, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Paz or Virginia Beach?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Virginia Beach can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

La Paz and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its impressive beauty. La Paz is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Also, La Paz is famous for Balandra Beach. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is La Paz different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Paz
Virginia Beach

La Paz 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 La Paz can be an interesting and educational experience. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

La Paz
Virginia Beach

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

La Paz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

Evening events are notable in both La Paz and Virginia Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

If luxury resorts are your style, both La Paz and Virginia Beach have notable options.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

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 La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

La Paz is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to La Paz to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

La Paz is terrific for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

The beaches in La Paz are among the best in the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

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 La Paz or Virginia Beach?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

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

La Paz is well-known for its shopping. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

Both La Paz and Virginia Beach are high quality to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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.

Is La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

Both La Paz and Virginia Beach are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Virginia Beach is a good 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 La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

La Paz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is La Paz or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

La Paz
Virginia Beach

La Paz 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 La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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 La Paz or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

La Paz
Virginia Beach

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

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Virginia Beach?

Both La Paz 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 La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in La Paz or Virginia Beach?

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Virginia Beach?

La Paz 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 great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in La Paz or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of La Paz. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, 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 La Paz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, 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 La Paz and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $22
    Virginia Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $241
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $53

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 La Paz or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and La Paz 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
    La Paz $38
    Virginia Beach $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $13
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $133
  • Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
  • Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
  • Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
  • Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
  • Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $169
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
  • Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $139

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
    La Paz $12
    Virginia Beach $11


When comparing the travel costs between La Paz and Virginia Beach, we can see that Virginia Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Virginia Beach?

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

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

La Paz is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 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 La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the autumn, La Paz is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Virginia Beach averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Virginia Beach. In January, La Paz is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

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

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Virginia Beach. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

La Paz is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and La Paz

La Paz Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)