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

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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. Visitors also love the nightlife.

Virginia Beach

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

How is Myrtle Beach different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach has the better options when it comes to nightlife.

People head to Myrtle Beach just to party. This beach area 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. 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?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. 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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are good choices for a beach vacation.

The beach in Myrtle Beach is worth checking out. Most people head to the area for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach better for Families?

Virginia Beach offers a wider variety of activities for kids than Myrtle Beach.

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.

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 makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk around Virginia Beach.


Is Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach both are comparable 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.

Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Myrtle Beach
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
Virginia Beach
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife


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. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Myrtle Beach is 2-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Virginia Beach is 5-7 days.


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

One day in Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. 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 bustling 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. 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. 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 fun-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. Plenty of people spend five days here 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. 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 for a trip here.

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 area has lots to do.

Which city is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $139, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $104. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $70
    Virginia Beach $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $140
    Virginia Beach $120

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $19
    Virginia Beach $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $291
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $146
  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $146
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $38

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 Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $45
    Virginia Beach $25
Typical Food prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Admission Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $36
    Virginia Beach $17
Typical Entertainment prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Charleston Sightseeing Day Trip with Lunch from Myrtle Beach: $139
  • Early Myrtle Beach and The War Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Guided Myrtle Beach Kayak Tour: $56
  • Guided Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $55
  • Local Folklore and Family Fortunes Near Myrtle Beach Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Food & Sightseeing Tour: $276
  • Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Military History Trolley Tour: $40
  • Waccamaw River Nature & Wildlife Tours: $32

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Haunted Walking Ghost Tour: $22
  • Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour of Linkhorn Bay: $41
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $61
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $62
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $62
  • RIDE ALONG GREEK GODS & AQUATISM *Certified Tours*: $75
  • Tour of Virginia Beach (half day), for GROUPS of 10-16: $499
  • Tour of Virginia Beach, for GROUPS of 10-16: $831
  • All-Inclusive, Autumn Weekend Tour for GROUPS of 10-16: $5,901

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $13
    Virginia Beach $8.51

About these numbers

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.

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Myrtle Beach vs. Virginia Beach Travel Comparison

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