Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Atlantic City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?
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 Niagara Falls. 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.
Where Should I go: Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?
Atlantic City
Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAtlantic City $154Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAtlantic City $73Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAtlantic City $146Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Niagara Falls? 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.
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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Atlantic City $40Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $263
- Buffalo Niagara Airport(BUF) to Holiday Valley - Arrival Transfer: $131
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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
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Food Meals for one dayAtlantic City $50Niagara Falls $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Atlantic City $44Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Atlantic City
Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
- Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $22
- Sea Rocket Sunrise Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $22
- Sea Rocket Early Bird Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
- Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
- Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
- Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
- Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
- Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $34
- Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
- OC Bay Hopper - Sunset Cruise: $40
- OC Bay Hopper - Ice Cream Cruise: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAtlantic City $39Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:
- Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Niagara Falls, we can see that Atlantic City is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City than you might in Niagara Falls.
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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?
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 Niagara Falls in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Niagara Falls. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.
In the summer, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAtlantic City 75°F (24°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Niagara Falls. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.
In October, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.
Atlantic City usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAtlantic City 56°F (13°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
Both Niagara Falls and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Atlantic City is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAtlantic City 31°F (-0°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.
Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAtlantic City 51°F (10°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Atlantic City
| Atlantic City | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 31°F (-0°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 74°F (23°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 67°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.