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

Should you visit Atlanta or Dallas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Dallas, 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 sprawling, suburban, and cultural 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Atlanta travel costs.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Dallas travel costs.

Atlanta and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Dallas?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Atlanta than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Atlanta, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is more touristy than Dallas and 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. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Atlanta different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlanta is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Dallas.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Atlanta or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Dallas?

Atlanta is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Is Atlanta or Dallas Better for Families?

Atlanta and Dallas are both excellent 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.

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Atlanta or Dallas Better for Couples?

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

Dallas is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Atlanta is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Atlanta or Dallas Better for Students?

Atlanta is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Atlanta is very popular with students. 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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

While Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Atlanta or Dallas a more walkable city?

Atlanta is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlanta or Dallas. In our opinion, Atlanta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlanta than Dallas. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Dallas?

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Dallas, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Dallas?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Dallas, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dallas has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas is a great place to explore. 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sprawling big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Dallas, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the summer, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Dallas. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas 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 Dallas during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Dallas. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Dallas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Atlanta is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dallas. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Atlanta