Which place is cheaper, Atlantic City or Asheville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Atlantic City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking.
Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Atlantic City are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlantic City and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Atlantic City is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.
Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.
Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.
Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Atlantic City can be an enjoyable experience.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.
Atlantic City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.
Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.
Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.
Asheville is well known for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.
Music is a popular form of entertainment in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.
Atlantic City is not a live music destination.
Atlantic City is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.
There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.
Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.
Atlantic City is a good destination for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.
Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.
Asheville is not a beach destination.
Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.
Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.
Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.
Asheville is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.
You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.
Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.
Asheville is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.
Asheville is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Atlantic City does not offer Christmas activities.
Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.
Atlantic City does not offer Christmas activities.
Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Atlantic City does not offer Christmas markets.
Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.
Atlantic City does not offer Christmas markets.
Asheville is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
Asheville is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.
For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.
Asheville is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.
Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.
Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.
Asheville is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.
Asheville is well known for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.
Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.
Atlantic City is not popular with students.
Atlantic City is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.
Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.
Atlantic City is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.
Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.
For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Atlantic City. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Atlantic City. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.
Families should spend more time in Asheville than Atlantic City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Atlantic City 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 Asheville.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the open-minded destination of Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.
You'll find shopping and nightlife around the flashy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic destination of Asheville. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the flashy city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
You'll find live music and food around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $133, while the average daily cost in Atlantic City is $154. 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 Asheville and Atlantic City in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Asheville or Atlantic City? 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.
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.
Prices for flights to both Atlantic City and Asheville 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Asheville:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Asheville.
Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:
When comparing the travel costs between Asheville and Atlantic City, we can see that Atlantic City 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 Asheville Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.
Asheville has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Atlantic City, 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.
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.
Both Atlantic City and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.
In July, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Atlantic City and Asheville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.
Asheville is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the autumn, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun.
Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Atlantic City. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Atlantic City. Many travelers come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 31°F (-0°C).
Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.
Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Atlantic City. Many visitors come to Asheville in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.
In April, Asheville is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the spring, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun.
Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Atlantic City. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Asheville | Atlantic City | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 31°F (-0°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Feb | 47°F (8°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
Mar | 55°F (13°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
Apr | 64°F (18°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
May | 71°F (22°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
Nov | 55°F (13°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Dec | 47°F (8°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |