Should you visit Atlanta or Norfolk?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Norfolk, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Atlanta
Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.
Norfolk
The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.
Which city is cheaper, Norfolk or Atlanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $136, while the average daily cost in Norfolk is $133. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and Norfolk in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Atlanta can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $72, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $144.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $68. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Norfolk the cost is $136 on average.
Food
Food in Atlanta costs travelers about $33 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
Norfolk food costs typically run travelers around $39 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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Food
Meals for one day
Atlanta $33
Norfolk $39
Typical Food prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
$15
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Lunch
$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta
For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour:
$75
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Grant Park Past & Future Food Tour:
$75
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2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta:
$75
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Atlanta's Southern Food Tour:
$86
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Modern Southern Food Tour of Historic Inman Park:
$99
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Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Atlanta:
$116
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Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option:
$249
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.
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Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River:
$84
Local Transportation
Atlanta's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $34 per person, per day on transportation in Atlanta.
The cost of a taxi ride in Norfolk is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $44 per person, per day, on local transportation in Norfolk.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:
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MARTA Subway Ticket
$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta
Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Arrival Private Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City in Luxury SUV:
$98
-
Arrival Private Transfers from Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury SUV:
$93
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Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City in Business Car:
$83
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Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City in Luxury Car:
$174
-
Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City in Luxury Van:
$93
-
Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta City to Atlanta Airport ATL in Business Car:
$88
-
Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta City to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury Car:
$183
-
Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta City to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury Van:
$98
-
Atlanta Arrival Private Transfers from Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car:
$83
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Atlanta Arrival Private Transfers from Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury Van:
$98
-
Atlanta Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer:
$73
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Atlanta Departure Private Transfers from Atlanta to Airport ATL in Business Car:
$88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:
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Private Arrival Transfer: PFH to Outer Banks North Carolina by Luxury Vehicle:
$283
Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Norfolk?
Prices for flights to both Norfolk and Atlanta 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Atlanta can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $45 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Entertainment and activities in Norfolk typically cost an average of $11 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Atlanta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.
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Ultimate Atlanta Self-Walking Audio Tour:
$10
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Skip-The-Line: World of Coca-Cola Admission Ticket:
$20
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LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Admission Ticket:
$22
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Atlanta Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$27
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Zoo Advance Purchase General Admission Ticket:
$27
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Dr. Martin Luther King's Tour:
$34
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Martin Luther King Historic District Walking Tour:
$35
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Martin Luther King Walking Tour with Optional Lunch:
$35
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Atlanta Electric Car City Tour:
$36
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Georgia Aquarium: Skip-the-Purchase-Line Tickets:
$37
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The Escape Game Atlanta Epic 60-Minute Private Adventure:
$37
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Atlanta Beltline Small Group Walking Tour:
$38
Tours and Activities in Norfolk
Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art:
$79
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1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art:
$78
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Candle Making Experience:
$69
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City Sightseeing Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour:
$19
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E-Bike Cannonball Trail Guided History Tour of Norfolk:
$59
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Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour:
$32
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Norfolk Chronicles History Walking Tour:
$36
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Norfolk Passport to Fun City Sightseeing and Discount Book:
$52
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Best of Norfolk Guided E-Bike Tour:
$60
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Self-Guided E-Bike Tour Elizabeth River Trail 2-Hour/3rd Hour Free:
$50
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Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise on the Elizabeth River:
$61
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Atlanta, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $14.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Norfolk may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $8.39 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:
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Atlanta Bar Hunt: All About Atlanta Bar Crawl:
$12
-
Krog Street Market Pub Crawl:
$36
-
Atlanta Brewery Guided Tours:
$65
-
Three Vineyard Classic Wine Tasting Tour:
$165
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Explore Rabun County - Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour:
$170
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Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting:
$204
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Private Wine Tasting Tour of Three Vineyards:
$210
When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Norfolk, we can see that Atlanta 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.
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