A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Virginia Beach for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a southern, student-oriented, and collegiate town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chapel Hill. Although Chapel Hill and Virginia Beach are both popular with visitors, Chapel Hill has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Chapel Hill is popular for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. It is also home to the University of North Carolina.

How is Chapel Hill different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Chapel Hill is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Chapel Hill can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

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 Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.


Is Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

With fun activities for couples, both Chapel Hill and Virginia Beach make for a good place to visit.

Chapel Hill is a good town for couples to visit. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Virginia Beach is a nice destination for couples. 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 Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Chapel Hill is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Chapel Hill is a great destination for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

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

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Chapel Hill is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill
Virginia Beach

Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable place. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need 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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

Both Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.


  • How many days in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chapel Hill 1-3 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

In Chapel Hill, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

Chapel Hill 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chapel Hill. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Chapel Hill. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Chapel Hill?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Chapel Hill Prices
    USA Prices
    Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chapel Hill $200
    Virginia Beach $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Chapel Hill is $200, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $148. 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 Chapel Hill and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chapel Hill $95
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chapel Hill $190
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Chapel Hill and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill


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: Chapel Hill Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chapel Hill $34
    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 Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Chapel Hill 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
    Chapel Hill $84
    Virginia Beach $52

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

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
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $32
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $63
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $64
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chapel Hill $40
    Virginia Beach $11


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


Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach?

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 Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Chapel Hill during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chapel Hill is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 79°F (26°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the summer, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chapel Hill 79°F (26°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chapel Hill 61°F (16°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Chapel Hill can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Chapel Hill is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chapel Hill in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Virginia Beach. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chapel Hill 40°F (5°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In April, Chapel Hill is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 60°F (16°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during spring. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chapel Hill 60°F (16°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)