A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Virginia Beach vs. Moncton for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Moncton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Moncton, 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a compact, cultural, and quaint city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Moncton travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Moncton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Moncton than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Moncton, Moncton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Moncton is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Moncton is popular for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities. It is also home to Tidal Bore Park.

How is Virginia Beach different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Moncton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Moncton 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.

Moncton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

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 Virginia Beach or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

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

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Virginia Beach or Moncton Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Moncton?

Moncton 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 Moncton. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Moncton More Beautiful?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Virginia Beach or Moncton Better for Families?

Virginia Beach is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Virginia Beach or Moncton Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach and Moncton are both good to visit as a couple.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Moncton is a good coastal city for couples to visit. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Virginia Beach or Moncton Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Moncton is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Moncton is not popular with students.

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

Moncton is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

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 Virginia Beach or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton 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.

Moncton is a somewhat walkable place. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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 Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Virginia Beach or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Virginia Beach than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

One day in Virginia Beach or Moncton?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Moncton, you'll find food and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Moncton?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Moncton 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.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Moncton?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Virginia Beach or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Moncton. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Moncton, we can see that Moncton 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 Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Moncton?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Moncton, 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 Virginia Beach or Moncton?

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 Virginia Beach or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Moncton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Moncton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Moncton averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Moncton. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Moncton for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Moncton. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Moncton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Moncton can be very cold. Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. Virginia Beach is much warmer than Moncton in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Moncton. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Moncton. The spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Moncton in the spring. In the spring, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Moncton averages at about 3°C (38°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Virginia Beach