A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Boulder for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City or Boulder?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Boulder. 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

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking.

Atlantic City and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Boulder?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boulder. Although Atlantic City and Boulder are popular destinations, Boulder has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boulder is very popular for its skiing, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Boulder and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also well known for The Flatirons.

How is Atlantic City different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boulder and Atlantic City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Boulder?

Both Atlantic City and Boulder have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Boulder specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Boulder? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Boulder both to be nice destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a good destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a good destination for the beache. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Boulder?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Boulder and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Families?

Boulder 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 Boulder. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Boulder both nice destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Boulder are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is well known for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Many students visit Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlantic City is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Boulder 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 Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Atlantic City or Boulder a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable city. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Boulder. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

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

One day in Atlantic City or Boulder?

In Atlantic City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the biker-friendly destination of Boulder. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Boulder?

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boulder. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Five days in Atlantic City or Boulder?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the biker-friendly destination of Boulder. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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.

A week in Atlantic City or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Atlantic City. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find live music and food around the city of Boulder. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Boulder, we can see that Boulder is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City 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 Boulder would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boulder than you might in Atlantic City.

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 Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Boulder, 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.