A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Asheville for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlanta or Asheville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Asheville, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Asheville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Asheville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Atlanta is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Asheville is known for its music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also home to the Georgia Aquarium. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Atlanta different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Asheville?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Atlanta and Asheville.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Asheville has a thriving music scene. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

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.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great mountain town for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Asheville?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. 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.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is a very popular destination during Christmas. 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.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is adequate for visiting Christmas markets. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas markets.

During the holidays, visitors often browse through the Christmas markets in Asheville. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Families?

Atlanta and Asheville are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

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.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Couples?

Asheville is a great mountain town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Students?

For students, both Atlanta and Asheville are great places to visit.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Is Atlanta or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Asheville both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Atlanta or Asheville a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Asheville are good when it comes to walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. 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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Asheville. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Atlanta 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.

One day in Atlanta or Asheville?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Asheville, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Asheville?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Asheville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Asheville has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Asheville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Atlanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A week in Atlanta or Asheville?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Asheville, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in Asheville.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Asheville?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Asheville, 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 Atlanta or Asheville?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Asheville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Asheville. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Asheville. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Asheville. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Asheville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Asheville. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Asheville in the Winter?

Both Asheville and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Asheville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Asheville averages at about 44°F (7°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Asheville. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Asheville. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In April, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Asheville. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Asheville. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Atlanta