A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Norfolk vs. Rapid City for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Norfolk or Rapid City?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Rapid City? 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a fascinating, activity-filled, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Norfolk and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Rapid City?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rapid City than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Rapid City, Rapid City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rapid City is very popular for its museums and hiking, while Norfolk attracts visitors for its nightlife. Rapid City is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. It is also well known for Mount Rushmore. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Norfolk or Rapid City?

Rapid City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rapid City that are not to be missed. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Is the Food Better in Norfolk or Rapid City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Norfolk and Rapid City offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Rapid City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Norfolk or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is Norfolk or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Rapid City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rapid City and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rapid City. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Is Norfolk or Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rapid City is a very family-friendly destination. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Norfolk or Rapid City Better for Couples?

Rapid City is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Rapid City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rapid City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

Is Norfolk or Rapid City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Rapid City.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Is Norfolk or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Norfolk is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Rapid City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Norfolk or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rapid City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Rapid City than Norfolk. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rapid City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid City than Norfolk 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 Rapid City.

One day in Norfolk or Rapid City?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, one day is sufficent for most.

In Rapid City, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Rapid City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Rapid City, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rapid City has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Rapid City?

Norfolk, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rapid City is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Rapid City?

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rapid City. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Rapid City. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and Rapid City, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. And not only is Rapid City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rapid City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rapid City 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 Norfolk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Norfolk than you might in Rapid City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Norfolk Expensive? and Is Rapid City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Rapid City?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rapid City. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Rapid City, 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.