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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a artsy, nature-oriented, and outdoorsy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Virginia Beach and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Anchorage than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Anchorage, Anchorage has more sights and attractions for tourists. Anchorage is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Anchorage is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. It is also well known for Chugach State Park. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Anchorage is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Anchorage 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

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 Virginia Beach or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

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

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for its beaches. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Anchorage draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

Anchorage 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 Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage Better for Families?

Virginia Beach is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly coastal city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Anchorage is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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.

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

Anchorage 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 Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Neither Virginia Beach or Anchorage offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach and Anchorage are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Anchorage is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Anchorage. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

One day in Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife around the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife around the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife around the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Anchorage. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Anchorage, 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 Virginia Beach or Anchorage?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Virginia Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the summer, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Anchorage. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. Virginia Beach is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Anchorage. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In April, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Virginia Beach