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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Atlantic City and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Roanoke?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlantic City than Roanoke, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Roanoke is more popular for its museums and hiking. Atlantic City is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Also, Atlantic City is famous for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Atlantic City different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Roanoke is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball 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 the Food Better in Atlantic City or Roanoke? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Atlantic City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Atlantic City or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Atlantic City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Atlantic City or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Roanoke?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Roanoke and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Atlantic City or Roanoke Better for Families?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

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 Roanoke Better for Couples?

Roanoke is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor 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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Roanoke are notable places to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Atlantic City or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Roanoke?

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

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

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Roanoke?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Roanoke?

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 museums and nightlife around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Roanoke, 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 Roanoke. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Roanoke. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Roanoke. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Atlantic City is cooler than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Atlantic City is much colder than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Roanoke. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

In April, Atlantic City is generally cooler than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Roanoke during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Roanoke. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Atlantic City