Should you visit Atlanta or Raleigh?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Raleigh, 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.
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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and Raleigh 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 $83. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Raleigh the cost is $166 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.
While meal prices in Raleigh can vary, the average travelers spends about $46 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Raleigh should cost around $18 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Raleigh is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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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:
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Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour:
$75
-
Grant Park Past & Future Food Tour:
$75
-
2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta:
$75
-
Atlanta's Southern Food Tour:
$86
-
Modern Southern Food Tour of Historic Inman Park:
$99
-
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:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
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Raleigh, NC - Walking Food Tours:
$62
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.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $30 per day to get around in Raleigh.
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.
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.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $30 per person, per day in Raleigh. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
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
-
Skip-The-Line: World of Coca-Cola Admission Ticket:
$20
-
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Admission Ticket:
$22
-
Atlanta Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$27
-
Zoo Advance Purchase General Admission Ticket:
$27
-
Dr. Martin Luther King's Tour:
$34
-
Martin Luther King Historic District Walking Tour:
$35
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Martin Luther King Walking Tour with Optional Lunch:
$35
-
Atlanta Electric Car City Tour:
$36
-
Georgia Aquarium: Skip-the-Purchase-Line Tickets:
$37
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The Escape Game Atlanta Epic 60-Minute Private Adventure:
$37
-
Atlanta Beltline Small Group Walking Tour:
$38
Tours and Activities in Raleigh
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh:
$41
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 Raleigh may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $22 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
-
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
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.
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