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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh?

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

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

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial 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 Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pittsburgh than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pittsburgh is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also home to Mount Washington.

How is Virginia Beach different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh for the nightlife scene. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

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

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.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Virginia Beach is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Virginia Beach. 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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.


Is Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

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

Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

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 Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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 Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

Families should spend more time in Virginia Beach than Pittsburgh. 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.

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


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Pittsburgh 2-3

One day in Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh?

With nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh?

With nightlife around the destination of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Virginia Beach, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Pittsburgh. 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, Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh is $181. 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 Pittsburgh in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh? 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 Pittsburgh


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 Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Pittsburgh $22
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 Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh?

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh 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
    Pittsburgh $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Pittsburgh $38

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 Pittsburgh

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

  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour: $30
  • Bike the Burgh Tour: $50
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $30
  • Discover Oakland Tour: $30
  • Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.22
  • Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections: $7.00
  • Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $40
  • New! Art & Artists Tour: $30
  • New! Bikes & Brews Tour: $75
  • Pittsburg 101 Tour: $30
  • Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PPG Paints Arena: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Pittsburgh $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • New! Bites & Brews: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $40
  • Bike and Brewery Tour: $69
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Pittsburgh?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Pittsburgh, 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.