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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

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

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

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Minneapolis is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Virginia Beach different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis for the nightlife scene. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Virginia Beach and Minneapolis are both superb 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.


Is Virginia Beach or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Virginia Beach and Minneapolis are both notable to visit as a couple.

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.

Minneapolis is a good coastal city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Virginia Beach or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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.

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

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers 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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Virginia Beach or Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis.

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

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

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


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

One day in Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Minneapolis, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Minneapolis. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Minneapolis $43
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 Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Minneapolis $27

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

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $686
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Minneapolis?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

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

Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Minneapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 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 Minneapolis. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 52°F (11°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 Minneapolis. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)