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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Columbia?

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 Columbia. 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 glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Atlantic City and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Columbia 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 Columbia attracts visitors for its museums. Atlantic City is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also well known for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Atlantic City different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Columbia is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beache. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Columbia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia 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 Columbia. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia Better for Families?

Columbia 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 Columbia. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

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 Columbia Better for Couples?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a good destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. 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 mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good 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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlantic City or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlantic City than Columbia 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 Columbia.

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

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

One day in Atlantic City or Columbia?

The city of Atlantic City offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Atlantic City 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the suburban destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Columbia. 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 Columbia, we can see that Atlantic City is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City than you might in Columbia.

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Columbia. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlantic City is cooler than Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Columbia. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Atlantic City is generally cooler than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Columbia. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Columbia in the Winter?

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

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Atlantic City is much colder than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Atlantic City is much colder than Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Columbia. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Atlantic City