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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport, 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a quaint, character-filled, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport. Although Virginia Beach and Kennebunkport are popular destinations, Kennebunkport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kennebunkport is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its beaches. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. It is also well known for Dock Square. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or 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 Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

The vibe at night is nice in both Virginia Beach and Kennebunkport.

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 Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

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.


Is Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport has hiking trails worth exploring. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is well-known for its shopping. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

Virginia Beach and Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.


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

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

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 Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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 Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kennebunkport is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport is $220. 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 Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport


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 Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Kennebunkport $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

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


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67

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

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: $90
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Kennebunkport $31


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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kennebunkport. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Kennebunkport. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kennebunkport in the winter. The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In the winter, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Kennebunkport. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Kennebunkport. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)