A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlanta vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Toronto, 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Atlanta travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Atlanta and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Atlanta. Toronto is bigger than Atlanta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower. 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.

How is Atlanta different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Toronto and Atlanta.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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

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

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, Toronto makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Atlanta or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Toronto is a must-see party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Toronto?

If you're looking to go shopping, Atlanta and Toronto both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

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.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is Atlanta or Toronto Better for Families?

Atlanta and Toronto are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

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.

Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Atlanta or Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Toronto is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Atlanta or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Toronto is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Toronto can take you anywhere. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Toronto?

Both Atlanta and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Atlanta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Atlanta 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 Toronto.

One day in Atlanta or Toronto?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Toronto, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Toronto?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Atlanta has to offer.

In Toronto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or Toronto?

Atlanta 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.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. In Toronto, you'll find museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Toronto. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto 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 Toronto during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Toronto. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Atlanta is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Toronto. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Atlanta