A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Atlantic City or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles. 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a diverse, multicultural, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and theater.

Atlantic City and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Los Angeles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is well known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Los Angeles is well known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood.

How is Atlantic City different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Los Angeles that are not to be missed. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive 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 Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is well known for theatre. However, Atlantic City is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Atlantic City is not a theatre destination.

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

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Atlantic City and Los Angeles.

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 Los Angeles is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Is Atlantic City or Los Angeles Better for Music?

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

Los Angeles is a world class music destination. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

There are excellent resorts to choose from in both Atlantic City and Los Angeles.

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.

Los Angeles is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Is Atlantic City or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlantic City or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Los Angeles offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Los Angeles is well-known for its hiking and trekking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Los Angeles?

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

Los Angeles is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Los Angeles is very family-friendly. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles Better for Couples?

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

Los Angeles is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Los Angeles is a very popular place to visit for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Los Angeles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Atlantic City or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

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

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

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Los Angeles?

Both Atlantic City and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Atlantic City. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

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

One day in Atlantic City or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glitzy city of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Atlantic City or Los Angeles?

The glitzy city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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 Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Atlantic City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Los Angeles. The summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In July, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Atlantic City is cooler than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In October, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Atlantic City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. In the winter, Atlantic City is much colder than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Los Angeles. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Los Angeles. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Atlantic City