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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Detroit?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Detroit, 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. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Virginia Beach and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Detroit?

You'll generally find more things to do in Detroit than Virginia Beach. Detroit is bigger than Virginia Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Detroit is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. Also, Detroit is famous for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Virginia Beach different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Detroit 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.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

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 Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Detroit for the nightlife scene. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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.

Is Virginia Beach or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is terrific for its live music scene. However, Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Detroit. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Detroit?

Detroit 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 Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Detroit Better for Families?

Virginia Beach is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Virginia Beach or Detroit Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Virginia Beach or Detroit Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit a more walkable city?

Detroit 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.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Detroit?

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

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

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

One day in Virginia Beach or Detroit?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Detroit?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Detroit 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 Detroit?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Detroit. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Detroit, we can see that Detroit 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 Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Detroit. The summer months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Detroit. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Detroit. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Virginia Beach. In January, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Detroit. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Virginia Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Virginia Beach