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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

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 Cincinnati. 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 party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Atlantic City and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Cincinnati are popular destinations, Atlantic City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlantic City is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums & sights. Atlantic City is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also well known for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Atlantic City different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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.


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

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Atlantic City is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Atlantic City. 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Atlantic City or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Atlantic City or Cincinnati Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Atlantic City is well known for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Atlantic City or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Atlantic City or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

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 Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Atlantic City is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

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

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Atlantic City and Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Atlantic City and Cincinnati.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.


Is Atlantic City or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Cincinnati

Atlantic City and Cincinnati both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlantic City or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlantic City than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

Couples should spend more time in Atlantic City than Cincinnati. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Cincinnati 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.


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

With shopping and nightlife around the colorful city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Cincinnati. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati?

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati?

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Cincinnati. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Atlantic City?

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 Cincinnati is $183. 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 Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Cincinnati? 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.

Hotels in Atlantic City


Hotels in Cincinnati


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Atlantic City $50
    Cincinnati $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $63
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sea Rocket Sunrise Cruise Overlooking Ocean City, MD: $22
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Sea Rocket Early Bird Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $28
  • Sea Rocket Speed Boat and Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD: $30
  • Banshees of the Boardwalk Walking Tour: $32
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise Overlooking Ocean City, MD: $34
  • 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
  • OC Bay Hopper - Sunset Cruise: $40
  • OC Bay Hopper Sunset Cruise Departs Downtown OC: $40

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $7.75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati: $12
  • Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket: $13
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $14
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • Haunted Tour in Mount Healthy from Cincinnati: $23
  • Cincinnati Ghosts: Poltergeists Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


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


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Cincinnati, 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 Atlantic City or Cincinnati?

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 Atlantic City or Cincinnati in the Summer?

Both Cincinnati and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Cincinnati during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

Both Cincinnati and Atlantic City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Atlantic City is generally cooler than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in October than Cincinnati. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Cincinnati in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Cincinnati. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Cincinnati in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Cincinnati in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Cincinnati. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Atlantic City is cooler than Cincinnati. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in April than Cincinnati. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)