Which city is more affordable and suits your travel style better?
Comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach can help you decide where to go next.
Myrtle Beach is a lively, high-energy, party-filled beach city. As a large city, it offers plenty of activities and a vibrant nightlife.
Virginia Beach is a bustling coastal city that combines fun and relaxation. It offers natural beauty, a busy nightlife, and great beaches.
Which City Has More Activities?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Both cities are popular, but Myrtle Beach offers more sights, activities, and attractions.
Myrtle Beach is known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big-city activities, while Virginia Beach is famous for its resorts and natural beauty. There are also plenty of free things to do in Virginia Beach this summer, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.
It has a more touristy atmosphere and is popular for its party scene, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife. It also features the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.
Virginia Beach is known for its fun boardwalk, numerous seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.
What Place Has Better Food?
Foodies will find both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach to be decent destinations.
Myrtle Beach may not be a top choice for foodies, but it offers enough variety.
The area is known for pizza slices, seafood buffets, themed restaurants, and dinner shows, which provide entertainment even if the food quality varies.
Virginia Beach has a good selection of restaurants, with a focus on seafood.
The town features all-you-can-eat buffets and high-end waterfront seafood restaurants. A couple of things to do in Virginia Beach are sure to try She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters as well as to take a swim in that nice cold blue ocean.
So overall, Virginia Wins.
Which City Has Better Resorts: Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is well-known for its resorts, while Myrtle Beach offers fewer luxury resort options.
It features several excellent resorts, including the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.
Myrtle Beach has a few notable resorts, such as the Marriott Vacation Club. However, most hotels in the area tend to be crowded and have limited space.
Again, Virginia wins.
Better for Family?
Virginia Beach is a great destination for family-friendly activities, while Myrtle Beach offers fewer options for kids.
It is known for being family-friendly, with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, an aquarium, and pleasant beaches.
Virginia Beach also outshines Ocean City in terms of kid-friendly entertainment, offering a wider variety of amusement parks and interactive exhibits.
It attracts families with its long beaches and enjoyable atmosphere. Most restaurants have kids’ menus, and there are ice cream shops and mini-golf courses around.
Myrtle Beach is not always considered a family destination, but some newer vacation clubs and resorts cater specifically to families and have become popular.
The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular family-friendly options in Myrtle Beach.
AND AGAIN VIRGINIA WINS.
How Long Should You Spend in Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?
Both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach offer numerous activities, but Myrtle Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time there.
Generally, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, while 5-7 days is enough for Virginia Beach.
Families should spend more time in Virginia Beach due to its many family-friendly attractions and activities.
Couples should spend more time in MB, which offers plenty of romantic sights and activities, perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should also consider spending more time in Myrtle Beach if their budget allows. The city offers a variety of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do.
Things to Do in Virginia Beach for Couples
Kick off your day with a rejuvenating sunrise yoga session on the beach. Feel the gentle morning breeze and listen to the calming waves as you and your partner stretch and unwind, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
Afterward, stroll over to the nearby Java Surf Café for a cozy breakfast. Enjoy fresh coffee and delicious breakfast sandwiches while savoring each other’s company in a relaxed, laid-back setting.
Next, head to First Landing State Park and rent bikes to explore the park’s scenic trails together.
The lush greenery and tranquil environment provide the perfect backdrop for quality time and meaningful conversations. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the beautiful moments along the way.
For lunch, make your way to Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Indulge in mouth-watering seafood with a spectacular view of the ocean.
Try their famous crab cakes or fresh fish tacos while watching the waves roll in. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
A particularly romantic thing to do at Virginia Beach is to rent a tandem bike for a fun and unique experience, or simply walk hand in hand, pausing to enjoy the various street performers and vendors you encounter.
In the afternoon, go on a dolphin-watching tour. Hop on a boat and venture into the Atlantic Ocean, where you can see dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat.
These are just a few of the many fun things to do in Virginia Beach for couples. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Virginia Beach offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
Which Place is Cheaper?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Average Daily Cost per Person:
- MB: $173
- VB: $126
These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While individual expenses may vary, these costs are an average based on past travelers’ experiences.
Accommodation Costs
Hotel or Hostel for One Person:
- MB: $88
- VB: $71
Typical Double-Occupancy Room:
- MB: $176
- VB: $142
In summary, Virginia Beach is generally cheaper than Myrtle Beach.
Food
Average Daily Cost for Meals:
- MB: $56
- VB: $30
Typical Food Prices in MB:
- Dinner for Two: $49
- Diner Breakfast for Two: $21
Food Tours and Dining Activities in MB:
- Murder Mystery Dinner Show: $50
- Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show: $67
- North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
Typical Food Prices in Virginia Beach:
- Crab soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters are local favorites.
Entertainment: Which City Offers More Fun?
Average Daily Cost for Entertainment:
- Myrtle Beach: $46
- Virginia Beach: $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach:
- Mini Golf for Two: $18
- Beach Chairs: $15
Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach:
- 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
- Day Trip to Charleston Tour: $120
- Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates, and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience: $10
- Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
Alcohol: Which City is More Cost-Effective?
Average Daily Cost for Drinks:
- Myrtle Beach: $16
- Virginia Beach: $11
When Should You Visit?
Summer:
- Myrtle Beach: 81°F (27°C), 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain
- Virginia Beach: 79°F (26°C), 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain
Autumn:
- Myrtle Beach: 65°F (18°C), 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain
- Virginia Beach: 62°F (16°C), 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain
Winter:
- Myrtle Beach: 45°F (7°C), 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain
- Virginia Beach: 39°F (4°C), 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain
Spring:
- Myrtle Beach: 62°F (17°C), 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain
- Virginia Beach: 58°F (14°C), 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain
Which Destination Suits You Best?
Virginia Beach is generally more affordable than Myrtle Beach, making it a great choice if you want to save money or enjoy a more luxurious experience without breaking the bank.
Virginia Beach, with its family-friendly attractions and natural beauty, is perfect for a family vacation.
Both cities have their unique charm, so choose the one that best matches your travel style and budget.
