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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Newport?

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 Newport. 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.

Newport

Newport is a historical, charming, and coastal town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Atlantic City and Newport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Atlantic City is more touristy than Newport and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is Atlantic City different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlantic City
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City
Newport

Newport 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, Newport makes for a great culinary experience. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Newport

Atlantic City is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Atlantic City is a must-see party destination. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Atlantic City or Newport Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Newport

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Atlantic City. 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.


Is Atlantic City or Newport Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Newport

Newport is well known for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Many people visit Newport for it's beautiful beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park 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 Newport Better for its Old Town?

Atlantic City
Newport

Newport is well known for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Newport?

Atlantic City
Newport

Newport is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Newport

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

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Newport

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

Newport is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City
Newport

Atlantic City is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Atlantic City is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.


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

Atlantic City
Newport

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

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 Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Is Atlantic City or Newport a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Newport

Atlantic City and Newport both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Newport is a very walkable city. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Newport or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Newport?

In either Atlantic City or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Atlantic City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Newport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Newport 2-5

One day in Atlantic City or Newport?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the seaside destination of Newport. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Newport?

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 Newport. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Newport?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Newport. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town 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 Newport?

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 town of Newport. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Newport

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Newport $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

Also for Newport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

For Newport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Newport $17

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
  • Parasailing Experience: $95
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $119
  • Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour: $110
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Historic Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Newport Downtown Historic Audio APP Self Guided Smart Phone Tour: $6.75
  • Newport Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport's Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Newport $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City and Newport, we can see that Newport 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 Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Newport?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Newport. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Newport in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Newport in the Autumn?

Both Newport and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Newport. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Newport 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Newport in the Winter?

Both Newport and Atlantic City during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Newport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Newport can be very cold. Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Atlantic City is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Newport in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Newport. The spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport 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 Newport during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Newport
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)