A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Virginia Beach for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a youthful, lively, and vibrant city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Tallahassee and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tallahassee than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Tallahassee, Tallahassee has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tallahassee is more popular for its museums and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Tallahassee is popular for its capital building and many universities. It is also home to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.

How is Tallahassee different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee can be an interesting and educational experience. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tallahassee and Virginia Beach can be difficult as they are each decent in their own way.

Tallahassee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

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 Tallahassee or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

The vibe at night is good in both Tallahassee and Virginia Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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 Tallahassee or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

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.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.


Is Tallahassee or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Tallahassee is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tallahassee. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tallahassee or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.


Is Tallahassee or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Tallahassee is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tallahassee or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

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

Tallahassee is a great city to visit as a student. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

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

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Tallahassee is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Virginia Beach

Tallahassee and Virginia Beach are decent when it comes to walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

Both Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

In Tallahassee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

Tallahassee 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Tallahassee. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    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 Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $481
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $191
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $375

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Virginia Beach $11


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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 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 Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Virginia Beach. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Virginia Beach. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee 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 the winter, Tallahassee is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallahassee in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Virginia Beach. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 67°F (19°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 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 Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)