A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City or Las Vegas?

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 Las Vegas. 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Atlantic City and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Las Vegas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Atlantic City and Las Vegas are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Atlantic City is known for its beaches. Atlantic City is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip.

How is Atlantic City different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon 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 Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Atlantic City is not a theatre destination.

Las Vegas is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Atlantic City is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

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.

The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Music?

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

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a good destination for its beaches. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Atlantic City or Las Vegas as a family destination.

Atlantic City doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Las Vegas is not always the best place to visit. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Atlantic City is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Atlantic City or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Las Vegas?

Both Atlantic City and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Atlantic City. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glitzy city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Atlantic City or Las Vegas?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Las Vegas, 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.