A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Raleigh for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Atlanta or Raleigh?

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

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

Where Should I go: Atlanta or Raleigh?

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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.

Which city is cheaper, Raleigh 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 Raleigh is $151. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and Raleigh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $72
    Raleigh $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $144
    Raleigh $166
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and Raleigh

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta or Raleigh? 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.

Hotels in Atlanta


Hotels in Raleigh


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Atlanta Hotel Prices and Raleigh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $34
    Raleigh $30
Typical Local Transportation prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 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
  • Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City in Business Car: $83
  • 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
  • Atlanta Arrival Private Transfers from Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury Van: $98
  • Atlanta Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $73
  • Atlanta Departure Private Transfers from Atlanta to Airport ATL in Business Car: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:

  • Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Raleigh?

Prices for flights to both Raleigh 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Atlanta $33
    Raleigh $46
Typical Food prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • 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:

  • 2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta: $75
  • Atlanta's Southern Food Tour: $86
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Atlanta: $116
  • Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option: $249

Typical Food prices in Raleigh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:


  • The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)
    $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.

  • Raleigh, NC - Walking Food Tours: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlanta $45
    Raleigh $30

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.

  • Ultimate Atlanta Self-Walking Audio Tour: $10
  • Skip-The-Line: World of Coca-Cola Admission Ticket: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Admission Ticket: $22
  • Zoo General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Dr. Martin Luther King's Tour: $34
  • The Escape Game Atlanta Epic 60-Minute Private Adventure: $37
  • Downtown Atlanta Guided Walking Tour: $38
  • Atlanta Beltline Small Group Walking Tour: $38
  • Civil War to Civil Rights Tour: $39
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $39
  • Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour: $40
  • Atlanta's Shopping Heaven Tour: $41

Tours and Activities in Raleigh

Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $14
    Raleigh $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:

  • Atlanta Bar Hunt: All About Atlanta Bar Crawl: $12
  • Atlanta 5-Hour VIP Brewery Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Atlanta Brewery Guided Tours: $65
  • Three Vineyard Classic Wine Tasting Tour: $165
  • Explore Rabun County - Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $170
  • Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting: $204
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour of Three Vineyards: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in Raleigh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Raleigh:

  • Raleigh Bar Hunt: Rowdy Raleigh Bar Crawl: $12

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh 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.


When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Raleigh?

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 Raleigh in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Raleigh. Also, most visitors come to Raleigh for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Raleigh in the summer. The temperature in Atlanta is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Raleigh stays around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Raleigh. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Raleigh. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C) 
    Raleigh 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Raleigh in the Autumn?

Both Raleigh and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October are around 66°F (19°C), and Raleigh is about 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Raleigh. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Raleigh during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Raleigh. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    Raleigh 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Raleigh in the Winter?

Both Raleigh and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year.

It's quite cold in Raleigh in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Raleigh. Temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Raleigh stays around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Raleigh. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Raleigh. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    Raleigh 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Raleigh in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Raleigh.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Raleigh in the spring. The temperature in Atlanta is usually 65°F (18°C) in April, and Raleigh stays around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh 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 Raleigh during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Raleigh. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    Raleigh 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Atlanta

Atlanta Raleigh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


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Atlanta vs. Raleigh Travel Comparison

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