A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Virginia Beach for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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: Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

Nags Head

Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nags Head and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


Hotels in Virginia Beach


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Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Virginia Beach $39

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 Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Virginia Beach $11


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


When is the best time to visit Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July are around 78°F (26°C), and Virginia Beach is about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Nags Head 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
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Virginia Beach stays around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Virginia Beach. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Nags Head can be very cold during winter. Nags Head is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The temperature in Nags Head is usually 41°F (5°C) in January, and Virginia Beach stays around 39°F (4°C).

Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Virginia Beach. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April are around 59°F (15°C), and Virginia Beach is about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Nags Head

Nags Head Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)


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Nags Head vs. Virginia Beach Travel Comparison

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