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

Should you visit Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

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

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

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Wilmington and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Wilmington than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Wilmington, Wilmington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Wilmington is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Wilmington different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Virginia Beach and Wilmington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Virginia Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun 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 Wilmington or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.


Is Wilmington or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington is great for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. 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.

Is Wilmington or Virginia Beach Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Wilmington or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington and Virginia Beach are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Wilmington or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Virginia Beach is a good 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.

Is Wilmington or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

For students, both Wilmington and Virginia Beach are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

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

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Virginia Beach

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Both Wilmington and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Wilmington. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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

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


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

One day in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

In Wilmington, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife around the relaxing 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.


A weekend in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

Five days in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

A week in Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Wilmington. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Wilmington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $204, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Wilmington and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington or Virginia Beach? 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 Wilmington


Hotels in Virginia Beach


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Virginia Beach $39

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 Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $56
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

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

  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $50
  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $50
  • 5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $90
  • 5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $90
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Craft Beer and History Crawl Shared Experience in Wilmington: $30
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • Eco Kayak Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $75
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries: $85
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill: $85
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $50

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: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75
  • 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: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wilmington $39
    Virginia Beach $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Wilmington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wilmington:

  • 3-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55
  • 3-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Virginia Beach, 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 Wilmington or Virginia Beach?

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 Wilmington or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets less rain in October than Virginia Beach. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Virginia Beach. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Wilmington is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Virginia Beach. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Wilmington

Wilmington Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)