A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Martha's Vineyard for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard. 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 colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Atlantic City and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife. Atlantic City is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Atlantic City different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Both Atlantic City and Martha's Vineyard have respectable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will 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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

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

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.


Is Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

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

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Martha's Vineyard

Atlantic City is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With food and shopping around the glitzy city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the colorful destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard or Atlantic City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $241. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlantic City and Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Atlantic City


Hotels in Marthas Vineyard


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlantic City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Atlantic City:

  • Atlantic City International Airport One Way Transfer : $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard and Atlantic City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Atlantic City $50
    Martha's Vineyard $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 75-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure Above Ocean City, MD: $70
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure: $53
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $119
  • Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour: $110
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45
  • OC Bay Hopper - Foodie Tour By Boat: $195
  • OC Bay Hopper - Happy Hour Cruise: $45

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Martha's Vineyard $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Spirits tasting at Little Water Distillery: $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In July, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Martha's Vineyard. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. In the winter, Atlantic City is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Martha's Vineyard. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Atlantic City is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)


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