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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Houston?

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 Houston. 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.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Atlantic City and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Atlantic City and Houston are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston 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 Houston and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Atlantic City different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston 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 Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's 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 Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Houston 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.

Houston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Atlantic City or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston 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.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Atlantic City or Houston Better for Music?

Houston 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 Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Houston Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is well known for its resorts. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Houston Better for Beaches?

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

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Houston?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Houston 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 Houston. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Atlantic City or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Houston 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.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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

Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Atlantic City or Houston Better for Students?

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

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Atlantic City or Houston a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Houston. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Houston. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

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.

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Houston?

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 Houston. 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 Houston?

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 sprawling big city of Houston. 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 Houston?

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 Houston. 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 Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the summer, Atlantic City is cooler than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. In July, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Houston. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Atlantic City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Houston. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. Atlantic City is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Atlantic City is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Houston. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Atlantic City