Travel Budget for Norfolk Visit Norfolk on a Budget or Travel in Style

Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America

Norfolk is an authentic city known for its naval base and military presence. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Norfolk?

You should plan to spend around $202 per day on your vacation in Norfolk. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $85 on meals
  • $54 on local transportation
  • $169 on hotels

A one week trip to Norfolk for two people costs, on average, $2,828. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $202
  • One Week Per person
    $1,414
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,828
  • One Month Per person
    $6,060
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,828
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,656
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,120
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Norfolk cost?

A one week trip to Norfolk usually costs around $1,414 for one person and $2,828 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Norfolk on average costs around $2,828 for one person and $5,656 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Norfolk will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Norfolk on average costs around $6,060 for one person and $12,120 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Norfolk expensive to visit?

Norfolk is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Norfolk can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $90 per day, mid-range travelers spend $202 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $383 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Norfolk.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Norfolk is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Adirondack Mountains or Nashville.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Norfolk Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Norfolk?

The average Norfolk trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Norfolk travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Norfolk cost?

Norfolk on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$37 $84 $161
Local Transportation 1 $24 $54 $102
Food 2 $37 $85 $161
Entertainment 1 $6.03 $14 $26
Alcohol 2 $2-7 $5-16 $10-30

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Norfolk. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.

Who are Budget Travelers?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $90 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Norfolk will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $202 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $383 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the city, prepare for a pricier experience.

Accommodation Budget in Norfolk

The hotel prices in Norfolk might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $126, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $235. Prices vary from $86 to $343, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Norfolk for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $169. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $84 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $84
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $169

Hotels in Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Norfolk? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Norfolk

The average hotel room price in Norfolk based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $126 in the low season and $235 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Norfolk include:

  • Hilton Norfolk The Main starting at $231
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Norfolk

Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Norfolk

Norfolk does not has a good public transit system. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

In certain neighborhoods, Norfolk is walkable, making it simple to explore the attractions. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $54 per person, per day, on local transportation in Norfolk. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Norfolk is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $54

Transportation Tips

If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers) for $275 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Norfolk
How much does it cost to go to Norfolk? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Norfolk
The price of renting a car in Norfolk will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Norfolk

The food in Norfolk is enjoyable, but not enough to draw tourists specifically for the restaurants. Be sure to seek out a few standout restaurants in the city. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Norfolk can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Norfolk is $85 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $85

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Norfolk is around $85 ($85) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $161. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Norfolk are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $25
  • Lunch: $13 to $34
  • Dinner: $25 to $59
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $13

While traditional Virginian cuisine consists of dishes like barbeque, Brunswick stew, colonial peanut soup, and seafood closer to the coast, Norfolk is a city with a happy mix of it all. For the saucier side of things, one might stop in at a place like Belmont House of Smoke or Doumar's Cones & Barbecue. But if its seafood you crave, a few Norfolk staples include A.W. Shucks, Capt. Groovy's Grill and Raw Bar, and 456 Fish. Other top restaurants, as rated on TripAdvisor include No Frill Bar and Grill, Freemason Abbey Restaurant, Handsome Biscuit, and Grilled Cheese Bistro. Norfolk is a place packed with flavors from all walks of the world, thrown in with a splash of southern flare.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

If you want to experience the culture in Norfolk, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise for $141 details
  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise for $94 details
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise for $182 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Norfolk

Tourists are naturally attracted to Norfolk due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Norfolk typically cost an average of $14 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14

With a history dating back to colonial years, the city of Norfolk has much to see in the form of architecture. Churches make up some of the more impressive examples with many like the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, which stands tall with white steeples. Others include the Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church from 1910, the Freemason Street Baptist Church from 1850, and the 1739 St. Paul's Episcopal Church which has a cannon ball fired by Lord Dunmore in 1776 still lodged in the church wall today. The Ghent Historic district houses many of these buildings and more.

As a long-time time port, there is also much to see related to the place's maritime past. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum has an exhibit that interprets the lengthy history of the U.S. Navy in southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, while the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin is open as a maritime-themed science center and museum. Visitors can also opt to take a tour of the Naval Station to see aircraft carriers and other large ships, conducted by Naval personnel.

Other popular attractions include the Cannonball Trail on Freemason Street, the Chrysler Museum of Art, Hermitage Museum & Gardens, MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Pagoda and Oriental Garden, and the Virginia Zoological Park.



In a city like Norfolk, activities range from museums and historic sight-seeing to ocean cruises and beach-bumming. Ocean View is the prime neighborhood for the beachgoers, situated right on the Chesapeake Bay. It is often a quiet escape from the crowds at Virginia Beach, and has a nice pier for fishing.

As far as entertainment goes, Chrysler Hall brings Broadway to Norfolk, having hosted shows like Wicked, American Idiot, The Book of Mormon, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera. Attucks Theatre is nicknamed the Apollo Theatre of the South, Wells Theatre and the Virginia Stage Company is a venue of the performing arts, and Harrison Opera House hosts events run by the Virginia Opera as well as concerts, musicals, and Broadway shows.

If you are big on the culinary scene you may want to come into the city during the Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week, sample some local brews on the Ghent Bar Tour, or visit the O'Connor Brewing Company for a taste and tour of the homegrown brewery.

A nice way to explore destinations in Norfolk is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) for $60 details
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket for $22 details
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise for $90 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Norfolk

Though Norfolk has some nightlife options, it's relatively quieter compared to other more popular cities. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $10 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Norfolk per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $10
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 27, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Norfolk

  • When it's peak season in summer, expect to pay more and see more people in the city. Save some cash and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Slowing down your travel pace can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the beautiful sights around you. If you fill your days with too many activities, the costs can quickly add up. However, by taking your time and appreciating the moment, you'll typically find yourself spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • There aren't many public transportation options in Norfolk. Renting a car or organizing a form of transport, like a tour, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • Norfolk isn't a hotspot for hostels, so if you're planning on staying in a budget dorm, you may want to readjust your travel plans. A cheap hotel or an apartment rental could be a more suitable option.
Traveling in Norfolk
Norfolk Norfolk, Virginia

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

The Downtown Norfolk waterfront is the historic district of the city. It has always been a center for port activity-shipping, military, and otherwise-and today serves as a bustling hub for just about anything a tourist could want. Not only is there an impressive collection of landmarks and museums, but there are also opportunities to entertain for days with multiple theatres, a zoo, cruises on the water, and more. Shopping and dining are both varied and diverse, catering to the many tastes and palettes of all who visit Norfolk. Granby Street is the main thoroughfare through the downtown and is lined with many restaurants and bars. Ghent is a historic district adjacent to downtown, and is filled with historic homes, tree-lined streets, and beautiful old churches. And then there is Ocean View, Norfolk's beach community for those looking to soak up the sun.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.