A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Atlanta or New York City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or New York City, 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 suburban, cultural, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Atlanta. New York City is bigger than Atlanta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Atlanta different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both New York City and Atlanta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Is Atlanta or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Atlanta or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

New York City is a must-see party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Atlanta or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or New York City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Atlanta and New York City both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. 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.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is Atlanta or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in New York City. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Atlanta or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Atlanta or New York City Better for Families?

Atlanta and New York City 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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Atlanta or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great city 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 New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City Better for Students?

New York City is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. 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.

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

New York City is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of New York City can take you anywhere. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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 New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or New York City?

Both Atlanta and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Atlanta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Atlanta or New York City?

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

In New York City, you'll find food and shopping. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. 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.

In New York City, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse big city of Atlanta. This city 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.

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlanta. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. In New York City, you'll find theater and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and New York 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.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or New York City?

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 Atlanta or New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and New York City. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than New York City. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as New York City. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New York City. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in New York City can be very cold. Atlanta is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than New York City. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as New York City. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Atlanta