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

Should you visit Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

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 Pensacola and Virginia Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a active, entertaining, and fun-filled beach town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pensacola travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. Virginia Beach is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Pensacola and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pensacola than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Pensacola, Pensacola has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pensacola is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its impressive beauty. Pensacola is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Also, Pensacola is famous for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Pensacola different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

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

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Pensacola is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pensacola has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Evening events are notable in both Pensacola and Virginia Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Pensacola or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Pensacola is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Pensacola is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

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.


Is Pensacola or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Pensacola is terrific for the beach. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

The beaches in Pensacola are among the best in the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

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 Pensacola or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Pensacola is adequate for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Pensacola 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 Pensacola. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Pensacola or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Pensacola is not a destination known for its beauty.

Virginia Beach is a beautiful place to visit, too. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Pensacola is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pensacola or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Virginia Beach.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Virginia Beach. 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 Pensacola or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

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

Pensacola is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Virginia Beach is a good beach town 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 Pensacola or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is very good for students. However, Pensacola is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal 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.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

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

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Neither Pensacola or Virginia Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Pensacola or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Virginia Beach

Pensacola and Virginia Beach both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Pensacola is generally not very walkable. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable beach town. 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 Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

Both Pensacola and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Pensacola has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pensacola than Virginia Beach. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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

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


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

One day in Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

In Pensacola, 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.

You'll find nightlife around the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife around the relaxing destination of Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

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

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.


A week in Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

In Pensacola, you'll find shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Pensacola?

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

  • Pensacola Prices
    USA Prices
    Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pensacola $234
    Virginia Beach $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $234, 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 Pensacola and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Virginia Beach $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

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 Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84
    Virginia Beach $52
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Virginia Beach $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • Bay Cruise: $65
  • Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
  • Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
  • Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
  • Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
  • Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299

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
    Pensacola $44
    Virginia Beach $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45


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


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Virginia Beach. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Virginia Beach. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pensacola is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pensacola in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months.

Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. In January, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 51°F (10°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Virginia Beach. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Pensacola is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 67°F (20°C) in April, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Pensacola

Pensacola Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)