A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. San Antonio for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Atlanta or San Antonio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or San Antonio, 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 cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or San Antonio?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Atlanta than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Atlanta, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while San Antonio is more popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. 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. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is Atlanta different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. 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.

San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Atlanta know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Music?

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio has an old town worth visiting. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or San Antonio?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio worth visiting during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Families?

San Antonio is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Couples?

Atlanta and San Antonio are both notable 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.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a good destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlanta. 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.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great destination for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and San Antonio both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Atlanta or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a good destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is San Antonio Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or San Antonio?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Atlanta than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Atlanta is a diverse city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In San Antonio, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 San Antonio?

Atlanta is a suburban big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In San Antonio, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 San Antonio has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or San Antonio?

The sprawling city of Atlanta offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Antonio. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting San Antonio. 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 San Antonio, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is San Antonio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Antonio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Antonio 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in San Antonio.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as San Antonio. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to San Antonio in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as San Antonio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and San Antonio averages at about 87°F (31°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than San Antonio. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Atlanta is generally cooler than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Antonio. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or San Antonio in the Winter?

Both San Antonio and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlanta is much colder than San Antonio in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than San Antonio. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and San Antonio. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

In the spring, Atlanta is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and San Antonio averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 216 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 San Antonio. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Atlanta