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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are both popular with visitors, Myrtle Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Foodies will find both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach both to be decent destinations.

Myrtle Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Virginia Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Myrtle Beach is a must-see party destination. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is very good for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

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.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is great for the beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Myrtle Beach has some nice offerings. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Virginia Beach is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Virginia Beach is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Virginia Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city to visit as a student. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Virginia Beach is a good beach 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.

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

Neither Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach both are decent when exploring on foot.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. 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 Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

Both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Myrtle Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Virginia Beach. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find 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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. 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 nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this relaxing 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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. 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 nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Myrtle Beach is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 81°F (27°C), 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 Myrtle Beach. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach gets 283 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 Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, 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 Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months.

Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Myrtle Beach is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), 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 Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 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 Myrtle Beach