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

Virginia, United States of America
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Virginia is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. 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 Virginia?

You should plan to spend around $185 per day on your vacation in Virginia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $60 on meals
  • $49 on local transportation
  • $159 on hotels

A one week trip to Virginia for two people costs, on average, $2,590. 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
    $185
  • One Week Per person
    $1,295
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,590
  • One Month Per person
    $5,550
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,590
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,180
  • One Month For a couple
    $11,100
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 Virginia cost?

A one week trip to Virginia usually costs around $1,295 for one person and $2,590 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Virginia on average costs around $2,590 for one person and $5,180 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 Virginia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Virginia on average costs around $5,550 for one person and $11,100 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Virginia expensive to visit?

Virginia is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

You may find Virginia to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $77 per day, mid-range travelers spend $185 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $416 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Virginia.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Virginia is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.

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

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

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

Virginia on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$34 $80 $164
Local Transportation1 $20 $49 $112
Food2 $25 $60 $140
Entertainment1 $9.70 $24 $56
Alcohol2 $4-11 $10-29 $25-74

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Virginia cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

The Truth on Budget Travel

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 $77 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.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Virginia will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $185 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $416 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transfer Washington Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Virginia

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Virginia can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Virginia in the off-season is $, but in the peak travel season it will average around $. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Virginia to range from $ to $. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Virginia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $159. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $80 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $80
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $159

Hotels in Virginia

Looking for a hotel in Virginia? 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.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Virginia

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.



Transportation Budget in Virginia

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $49 per person, per day, on local transportation in Virginia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Virginia is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $49

By plane, the state of Virginia is serviced by a few major airports. Washington-Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are in the northern part of the state, Richmond International Airport services the central and southern parts, and Norfolk International Airport caters to eastern Virginia.

By train, Amtrak offers passenger rail service to many Virginia cities, including Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville, and Staunton. For destinations in Northern Virginia, the best stops are Union Station in Washington, DC and the Fredericksburg station.

By car, there are a few routes depending on what direction you come from. I-81 is the main route from Tennessee and continues through Virginia into Maryland and Pennsylvania, I-66 connects Northwestern and Northern Virginia with Washington, DC, and I-95 runs north-south through Virginia connecting Washington, DC to Fredericksburg and Richmond and on to North Carolina. Other major routes include I-85 and I-64.

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO) for $50 details
  • Airport Transfer to or from Mclean, VA and Reagan Airport(DCA) for $215 details
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO) for $50 details

Recommended Services


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

Rental Cars in Virginia
The price of renting a car in Virginia 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 Virginia

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Virginia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Virginia is $60 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $60

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Virginia is around $60 ($60) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $140. 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 Virginia are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $18
  • Lunch: $9 to $24
  • Dinner: $18 to $42
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

As far as food goes, many of Virginia's signature dishes are common throughout much of the Southern United States as well. Country ham is a particular favorite, as is barbeque-mostly pork with a vinegar-based sauce. Brunswick stew is another traditional favorite, thought to have originated in Brunswick County in the southeast; it is a thick vegetable stew with meat. Desserts like marble cake and shoofly pie come largely from the Pennsylvania Dutch, while fried peaches with vanilla ice cream is considered a more upscale dessert. Then there is peanut soup which dates back to colonial times, maple syrup and pancakes are popular in the more mountainous regions of the Shenandoah Valley, while the coastal regions, especially near the Chesapeake Bay, are very well known for fresh seafood dishes. Some of these selections include items like oysters, blue crabs, bay clams, blue fish, bay scallops, haddock, and shad-and are almost always seasoned with a spice mix called Old Bay.

Food & Dining Tips

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Virginia, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond for $94 details
  • The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours for $85 details
  • Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours for $85 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Virginia

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Virginia typically cost an average of $24 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.
    $24

When it comes to sights, Virginia's highlights involve its outdoor scenery and its history. Closer to nature attractions lie mostly to the west with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as the Appalachian Mountains located in the highlands of Southwest Virginia. Crabtree Falls in Nelson County is one of the tallest sets of waterfalls in the U.S., while the Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County presents a natural landform that has become iconic to the region. You might also wish to explore below the earth, diving deep into the reaches of the Shenandoah Caverns, and the beaches, of course, are great for relaxing along the coast.

Then there are the historic places, like the triangle of Yorktown, Jamestown, and Colonial Williamsburg, which has always been very popular with visitors. Colonial Williamsburg in particular has many interesting buildings and acts as a living museum with blacksmiths and silversmiths manning the workshops, a tailor specializing in colonial attire, a traditional print shop, the governor's mansion and garden, and very many others. It is a fun and easy way to delve into colonial life and learn a bit about the history of the settlement. The College of William and Mary also resides in Williamsburg and is definitely worth a walk through campus. And then there is Mount Vernon, the plantation of George Washington, first President of the United States, and his wife, Martha.



The regions that are full of nature, lying mostly to the west, are hot spots for visitors hoping to experience some of Virginia's great outdoors. Activities here mostly consist of hitting the hiking trails, backpacking, camping, wildlife watching, and fishing. The Brew Ridge Trail is a great way to see the Blue Ridge Mountains while indulging in some craft beer selections of the region. Current destinations on the trail include Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Blue Mountain Brewery, Blue Mountain Barrel, Devil's Backbone Brewing Company, South Street Brewery, and Starr Hill Brewery.

The historic sites can occupy days of activity during a stay in Virginia with tours, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities, while the cities have plenty of opportunity for dining, shopping, and entertainment. And if you're looking for a more thrilling time in Virginia, Busch Gardens is a popular theme park covering 383 acres northwest of Virginia Beach.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Virginia. 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:

  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond for $80 details
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour for $175 details
  • Private Tour of Yorktown Museum, Battlefields & Historic Area for $200 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Virginia

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $19 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Virginia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $19
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Virginia. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA for $90 details
  • 5 Hour Historic Thomas Jefferson Wine Tour for $235 details
  • Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour for $235 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Mar 29, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Virginia

  • During peak season, prices are generally much higher and the destination is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
  • Slowing your travel tempo can not only save you money but also let you enjoy the stunning beauty of your surroundings. When you pack each day with activities, costs can rise rapidly. However, a more relaxed pace usually leads to lower expenses and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Virginia has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • Virginia isn't the best place for hostels, so if you're aiming for a budget dorm, you might want to rethink your plans. Checking for cheap hotels or apartment rentals is a better alternative.
Traveling in Virginia
Virginia Virginia Beach, VA

One of the original thirteen British colonies, Virginia is a place of rich history and varied environments. You might explore the historic settlement of Colonial Williamsburg, dive into the current culture of its major cities, or get lost in nature along the coast or in the scenic landscape of the Appalachian Mountains. There's a little something for everyone.



Regions

Virginia's landscape is vast and varied with mountains in the west, rural countryside at its center, beaches and coastal towns in the east, and a handful of cities dotted throughout. The capital city of Virginia is called Richmond. Located in the central part of the state, the area also features historic sites from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Northern Virginia consists of the populated region bordering Washington DC, while Southwest Virginia is mostly rural and defined by the Appalachian Mountains. Then there is the Shenandoah Valley which is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Eastern Virginia which is home to popular tourist spots like Virginia Beach as well as the historic trio of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Other major cities include Arlington, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Norfolk, and Roanoke.

Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Las Vegas or San Diego? Traveling alone to NYC or LA? Want a budget hostel in San Francisco?

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.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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