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

Should you visit Atlanta or Salt Lake City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Salt Lake 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Atlanta and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Salt Lake City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Salt Lake City. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Salt Lake City attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Atlanta is famous 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 well known for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salt Lake City can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Salt Lake City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Salt Lake City is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Salt Lake City?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Salt Lake City are both nice to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City Better for Students?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Salt Lake City is not popular with students.

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.

Salt Lake City is not popular with students.

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

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Atlanta is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Salt Lake City. 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 Atlanta than Salt Lake City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Atlanta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Salt Lake City, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Salt Lake City?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Salt Lake City, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling 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 Salt Lake City has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Atlanta. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salt Lake City. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Salt Lake City. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Salt Lake City?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Salt Lake City. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Salt Lake 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.