A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Nightlife, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells, 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wisconsin Dells is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Also, Wisconsin Dells is famous for Noah's Ark Water Park. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is adequate for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells for the nightlife scene. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout 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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

With a similar set of options, notable resorts can be found in both Virginia Beach and Wisconsin Dells.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.


Is Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Wisconsin Dells has some nice offerings. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Virginia Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Virginia Beach and Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good coastal city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.


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

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Neither Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Virginia Beach and Wisconsin Dells are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.


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

One day in Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

The bustling destination of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find food 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

The bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Wisconsin Dells $35
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 Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14


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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the summer, Virginia Beach often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Virginia Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In January, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Wisconsin Dells. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wisconsin Dells. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)