A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Cape Cod for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Cape Cod, 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing beach destination. 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, food, and beaches.

Virginia Beach and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Virginia Beach and Cape Cod are both popular with visitors, Cape Cod has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cape Cod is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also home to The Cape Cod National Seashore. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Cod is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Cod has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Virginia Beach or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Virginia Beach and Cape Cod.

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.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Virginia Beach or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point 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 Virginia Beach or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

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

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

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

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Cape Cod are both great 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.

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Virginia Beach or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

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

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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 Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

Both Virginia Beach and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cape Cod has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cape Cod than Virginia Beach. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod.

One day in Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Cape Cod?

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. 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.

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

When is the best time to visit Virginia Beach or Cape Cod?

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 Virginia Beach or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives less sunshine than Cape Cod during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in October than Cape Cod. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Cape Cod. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. Virginia Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Cape Cod. The spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Virginia Beach