A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Norfolk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Washington or Norfolk?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Norfolk can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Norfolk?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Norfolk

The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.

Which city is cheaper, Norfolk or Washington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Norfolk is $133. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Norfolk $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Norfolk $136
Compare Hotels in Washington and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Norfolk? 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 Washington


Hotels in Norfolk


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Norfolk $44
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

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


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • DCA Private 1-Way Transfer from D.C. City Center Hotels: $97
  • DCA to D.C. City Center Hotels: 1-Way Private Transfer: $102
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Business Car: $118
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $151
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $159
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: PFH to Outer Banks North Carolina by Luxury Vehicle: $283

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Norfolk $39
Typical Food prices in Washington

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


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.

  • Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River: $84
  • Spirit of Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Norfolk $11

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour: $5.00
  • The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial: $18
  • Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC: $19
  • Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $21
  • DC Ghost Tour: $24
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • 1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art: $79
  • 1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art: $78
  • Candle Making Experience: $69
  • City Sightseeing Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
  • E-Bike Cannonball Trail Guided History Tour of Norfolk: $59
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Chronicles History Walking Tour: $36
  • Norfolk Passport to Fun City Sightseeing and Discount Book: $52
  • Self-Guided E-Bike Tour Elizabeth River Trail 2-Hour/3rd Hour Free: $50
  • Spirit of Norfolk Buffet Lunch Cruise: $77
  • Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise on the Elizabeth River: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Norfolk $8.39

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Norfolk, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Norfolk.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Norfolk?

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 Washington or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Washington is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The temperature in Washington is usually 79°F (26°C) in July, and Norfolk stays around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the summer, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Washington usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Washington or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Washington is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October are around 60°F (15°C), and Norfolk is about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Washington or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Norfolk. Temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Norfolk stays around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Washington or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Norfolk. Many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Washington is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the spring. The temperature in Washington is usually 56°F (14°C) in April, and Norfolk stays around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Washington

Washington Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)


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Washington vs. Norfolk Travel Comparison

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