A Travel Price Comparison for Georgia Atlanta vs. Savannah for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlanta or Savannah?

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

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

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Atlanta and Savannah: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Savannah?

You'll generally find more things to do in Atlanta than Savannah. Atlanta is bigger than Savannah, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Atlanta is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Savannah is more popular for its beaches, 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. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Atlanta different from Savannah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Savannah.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is Atlanta or Savannah Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Atlanta or Savannah Better for Beaches?

Savannah is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Savannah has a beach worth visiting. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Savannah Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Savannah to see the historical old town. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Savannah?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Savannah is well-known for its shopping. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Is Atlanta or Savannah Better for Families?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Atlanta or Savannah Better for Couples?

Savannah is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Savannah is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Atlanta or Savannah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Savannah are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Savannah is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Atlanta or Savannah Better for Students?

Atlanta is a well-known place for students. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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

Atlanta and Savannah 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 Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Atlanta or Savannah a more walkable city?

Savannah is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Savannah or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Savannah?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Savannah. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Savannah. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Savannah.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Savannah 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 Savannah?

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Savannah, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Savannah?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Savannah, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Savannah?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Savannah is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Savannah?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Savannah. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Savannah, 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Savannah?

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

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 Savannah in the Summer?

Both Savannah and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 267 hours of full sun.

Savannah gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets less rain in July than Savannah. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Savannah in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Savannah. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Savannah because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Savannah. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Savannah fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah 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 Savannah during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Atlanta or Savannah in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Savannah. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Savannah this time of year.

Atlanta is cooler than Savannah in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Savannah fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 176 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Savannah. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Savannah in the Spring?

Both Savannah and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Savannah. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Savannah averages at about 66°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Savannah. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Savannah. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Savannah and Atlanta