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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Detroit?

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 Detroit. 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 flashy, party-oriented, and colorful city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Atlantic City and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Atlantic City and Detroit are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Atlantic City different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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 Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Detroit 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.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Atlantic City or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Atlantic City or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Detroit is a world class music destination. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Detroit?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Detroit 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 Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Atlantic City or Detroit Better for Families?

Detroit 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 Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

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 Detroit Better for Couples?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Atlantic City has some 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 generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Atlantic City or Detroit a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Detroit. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Detroit. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Atlantic City than Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Detroit?

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 live music and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit?

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 food and shopping around the city of Detroit. 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 comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City and Detroit, 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 Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Detroit. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Detroit. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Detroit. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Atlantic City during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. Atlantic City is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Detroit. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Atlantic City is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit 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 Detroit during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Atlantic City