A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Virginia Beach vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

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

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

Where Should I go: Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It's a popular beach destination and has many of the characteristics of most southeastern beach towns. There are many activities that you can enjoy and there's a concrete boardwalk that runs parallel to the water for about three miles. The boardwalk is a fun place to walk or bicycle. The beach itself is wide and sandy and is a great place to soak up some sun. During the summer months and school holidays it can get quite crowded and you might struggle to find a place for your towel and beach chairs. There are also many beach side resorts that line the water front. Most have pools and hot tubs where you can relax and some hotels have indoor pools as well, which can be nice during the cool winter months.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver 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 Vancouver is $141. 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 Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver


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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

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


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

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

  • Private Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $611
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $602
  • Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $570
  • Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
  • Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $425
  • Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $425
  • Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $292
  • Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $283
  • Private Transfer, Langley, BC to Vancouver International Airport-VIP Sedan: $280
  • Vancouver Cruise Transfers/ City Sightseeing Tour Private: $277
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver (YVR) Airport to Vancouver City: $269
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver City to Vancouver (YVR) Airport: $269

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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
    Vancouver $31

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

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

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $78
  • The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $93
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $96
  • North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
  • VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $111
  • Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
  • Downtown Vancouver Asian Eats - Walking Food Tour: $138
  • Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
  • 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
  • Granville Island Uncorked Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $156
  • Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Vancouver $36

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 Vancouver

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

  • Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $220
  • Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $131
  • Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $146
  • Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $198
  • $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour - Vancouver's Highlights: $256
  • 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
  • 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,411
  • 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
  • 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
  • 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,411

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $93
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
  • Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $149
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
  • Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $168
  • Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189


When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver 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 Vancouver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver 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.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Vancouver. 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 Vancouver during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver 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.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

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 Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)