A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Norfolk for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Norfolk, 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Norfolk travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Norfolk are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Saint Augustine different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Norfolk has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Saint Augustine can be explored in its historical center. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Norfolk.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.


Is Saint Augustine or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Norfolk

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Augustine or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Augustine than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Norfolk 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Norfolk? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Norfolk 1-2

One day in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The authentic destination of Norfolk offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Norfolk is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Norfolk or Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Norfolk Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Norfolk $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, while the average daily cost in Norfolk is $202. 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 Saint Augustine and Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Norfolk? 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Norfolk


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Norfolk $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Norfolk $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

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

  • City Cruises Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise: $57
  • City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise : $103
  • 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise with Fireworks: $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Norfolk $14

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Self-Guided Haunted Ghost Walking Audio Tour in St. Augustine: $9.75
  • Historic St Augustine Audio Self Guided App GPS Tour: $9.75
  • St. Augustine City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $19
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Walking Guided History Tour of Old St. Augustine: $25
  • Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25
  • Wraiths of the Watchtower: Sinister St. Augustine Ghost Tour: $26
  • Guardian Angels of St. Augustine Walking Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin: $40
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $42
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Tour E-Bike Rental in Norfolk: $75
  • City Cruises Signature Lunch Cruise: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Norfolk $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $27
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Norfolk Bar Crawl: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Norfolk Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Norfolk, 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 Saint Augustine or Norfolk?

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 Saint Augustine or Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Norfolk. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Norfolk. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Norfolk. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Norfolk. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)