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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Vancouver, 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 relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver than Virginia Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vancouver is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Vancouver is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

Vancouver is terrific for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Vancouver are world-renowned. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Vancouver has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver for the nightlife scene. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Virginia Beach or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

Vancouver is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Vancouver draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

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.

Is Virginia Beach or Vancouver Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Vancouver are both great destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Virginia Beach or Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city 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 Virginia Beach or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vancouver Better for Students?

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

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vancouver can take you anywhere. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Vancouver is a very easy city to get around on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

In either Virginia Beach or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than Vancouver because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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

One day in Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

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.

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife around the bustling 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Vancouver. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver 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 Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver 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 Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver in the Winter?

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

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In April, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Virginia Beach