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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Boise?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Boise, 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 fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Boise

Boise is a welcoming, authentic, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach and Boise: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Boise?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boise than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Boise, Boise has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boise 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 Boise and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Boise is popular for its many outdoor and recreational activities. It is also home to the Idaho State Capitol Building.

How is Virginia Beach different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boise 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 Boise?

Virginia Beach
Boise

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

Boise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Boise

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Boise.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. 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.

Boise may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Virginia Beach or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Boise

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

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boise. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Virginia Beach or Boise Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Boise

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

Boise is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Boise Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Boise

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Boise is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Boise?

Virginia Beach
Boise

Boise 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 Boise. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Boise Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Boise

Virginia Beach is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options 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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.


Is Virginia Beach or Boise Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Boise

Virginia Beach is a popular place for couples. However, Boise 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Virginia Beach or Boise Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Boise

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Boise 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.

Boise is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Boise

Boise 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 Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

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 Virginia Beach or Boise a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Boise

Virginia Beach and Boise are decent 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.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Boise or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Virginia Beach or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Virginia Beach than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

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


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

One day in Virginia Beach or Boise?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled 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.

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

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Boise?

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.

Boise 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.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Boise?

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.

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

A week in Virginia Beach or Boise?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this bustling 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Boise. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Boise or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, while the average daily cost in Boise is $146. 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 Virginia Beach and Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Boise

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Boise? 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 Virginia Beach


Hotels in Boise


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Boise $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boise

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

  • Boise Air Terminal Airport One Way Transfer : $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Boise?

Prices for flights to both Boise and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Boise $45

Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Boise $30

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

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

  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Boise $24


When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Boise, we can see that Boise is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Boise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Boise?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Boise, 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.