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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Breckenridge, 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 bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a charming, breathtaking, and adventurous ski resort. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Breckenridge than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Breckenridge is better known for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its beaches. Breckenridge is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. Also, Breckenridge is famous for The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is terrific for skiing. However, Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Breckenridge is among the best in the world. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.


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

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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.

Breckenridge has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

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 Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

The vibe at night is notable in both Virginia Beach and Breckenridge.

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 Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

With a similar set of options, notable resorts can be found in both Virginia Beach and Breckenridge.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.


Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Breckenridge 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.

Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Breckenridge. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Breckenridge has hiking trails worth exploring. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Breckenridge is well-known for its shopping. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Christmas?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Breckenridge is a top place to visit during Christmas. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.

Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Christmas Markets?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Breckenridge has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. During the holiday season the Arts District hosts a Christmas Market.

Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Virginia Beach and Breckenridge are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Breckenridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

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

Breckenridge is a great ski resort if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

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 Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Breckenridge Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Breckenridge 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.

Breckenridge is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

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 Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Breckenridge is a very easy ski resort to get around on foot. The town is designed to be 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 Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

Both Virginia Beach and Breckenridge have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Breckenridge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Breckenridge than Virginia Beach. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Breckenridge.

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

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

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


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

One day in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this bustling coastal city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Breckenridge is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

Virginia Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


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, Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge is $200. 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 Breckenridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Breckenridge $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Breckenridge $212
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Breckenridge

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Breckenridge? 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 Breckenridge


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 Breckenridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Breckenridge $19
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 Breckenridge

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Breckenridge:

  • Breckenridge Ski Resort to Denver Airport APA Departure Transfer: $197
  • Denver Airport APA to Breckenridge Ski Resort-Arrival Transfer: $197
  • Breckenridge/Keystone/Copper to Denver Airport-Departure Transfer: $196
  • Breckenridge to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $193
  • Eagle County Airport to Breckenridge/Keystone-Round-Trip Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

Prices for flights to both Breckenridge 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
    Breckenridge $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Breckenridge $94

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Tours and Activities in Breckenridge

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Breckenridge are as follows:

  • 3 Hours 30 Minutes Colorado Astrophotography Experience: $260
  • Breckenridge Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt: Breckenridge Adventure: $12
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales : $33
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $32
  • Continental Divide Tour: $145
  • Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling: $94
  • Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco: $67
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $47
  • Self-Guided Snow Shoe Tours: $17
  • Smartphone Driving Tour b/w Breckenridge & Denver: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Breckenridge $7.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Breckenridge

Also in Breckenridge, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ridden Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85


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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Breckenridge?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Breckenridge, 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.