Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Atlantic City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Albuquerque. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.
Albuquerque is a outdoorsy, desert, and historic town. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Albuquerque. Although Atlantic City and Albuquerque are both popular with visitors, Albuquerque has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Albuquerque is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Albuquerque is popular for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. It is also home to The Old Town.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albuquerque and Atlantic City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Albuquerque is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.
Albuquerque is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Albuquerque makes for a great culinary experience. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.
Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.
Atlantic City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.
Atlantic City is a world class party destination. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.
Atlantic City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.
There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.
Albuquerque is not a resort destination.
Atlantic City is a good destination for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.
Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.
Albuquerque is not a beach destination.
Albuquerque is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Albuquerque is revered around the world. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.
Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.
Albuquerque is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.
Albuquerque offers some nice hiking trails. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.
Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.
Albuquerque is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Albuquerque is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.
Albuquerque is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albuquerque. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.
For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.
Albuquerque is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.
Couples visit Albuquerque frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.
Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.
Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.
Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.
Albuquerque is a good destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.
Albuquerque is popular with students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.
Atlantic City is not popular with students.
Atlantic City is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.
While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.
Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.
Atlantic City is a great city for its walkability. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.
Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.
Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.
For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Atlantic City or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albuquerque due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.
Families should spend more time in Albuquerque than Atlantic City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Albuquerque, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Albuquerque than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albuquerque that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Albuquerque 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 Atlantic City.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented city of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Albuquerque. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the flashy destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albuquerque. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.
The flashy city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Albuquerque. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.
Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Atlantic City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
You'll find food and shopping around the town of Albuquerque. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $135. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlantic City and Albuquerque in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Albuquerque? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Also for Albuquerque, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Atlantic City 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.
For Albuquerque, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Albuquerque.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:
When comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City and Albuquerque, we can see that Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Albuquerque Expensive?.
Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Albuquerque, 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.