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

Should you visit Tampa or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

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.

Tampa and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Tampa or Virginia Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tampa than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Tampa, Tampa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tampa is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also home to Busch Gardens.

How is Tampa different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Tampa is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Tampa has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Tampa or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Virginia Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Tampa is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Tampa or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Tampa is great for the beache. 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 Tampa. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

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 Tampa or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Virginia Beach.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Virginia Beach is 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.

Is Tampa or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.


Is Tampa or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Tampa
Virginia Beach

Neither Tampa or Virginia Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

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 Tampa or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Tampa
Virginia Beach

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

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Virginia Beach?

Both Tampa 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 Tampa. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

Couples should spend more time in Virginia Beach than Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa.


  • How many days in Tampa or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Tampa or Virginia Beach?

In Tampa, you'll find food. 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 bustling destination offers. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Virginia Beach?

Tampa 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Tampa or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the city of Tampa. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $179, 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 Tampa and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Virginia Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tampa hotels: $307
  • Tampa Airport (TPA): Transfer tо Tampa Bay Cruise Port: $307
  • Tampa Airport (TPA): Private Transfer to Tampa hotel/address: $207
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport TPA to Lakeland/Winter Haven: $190
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach: $190
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg Accommodation: $190
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address : $190
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Private Transfer from TPA to Lakeland and Winter Haven: $159
  • Private transfer from Tampa airport To Zephyrhills, FL: $155
  • Private transfer Tampa airport To Ruskin, FL: $135

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 Tampa or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Tampa 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
    Tampa $53
    Virginia Beach $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
  • Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $20
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
  • 2 Hour Private Floating Tiki Boat Tour in Tampa: $59
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $41
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $108
  • Christmas Lights Wonderland Deluxe Golf Cart Guided Tour in Tampa: $49
  • Discover Tampa with Local Stories from a Virtual Tour: $30
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Hunters Paranormal Ghost Tour: $39
  • Ghost Investigation Tour Interactive Paranormal Experience 18Plus: $35

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: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75
  • 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: $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
    Tampa $26
    Virginia Beach $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart: $200
  • Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart: $200


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


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Virginia Beach. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Tampa or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Additionally, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tampa is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Virginia Beach. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Virginia Beach. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Tampa

Tampa Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)