A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Salt Lake City for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City or Salt Lake City?

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 Salt Lake City. 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.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, hiking, and shopping.

Atlantic City and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Salt Lake City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salt Lake City is better known for its museums & sights, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Salt Lake City is well known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Also, Salt Lake City is famous for Temple Square.

How is Atlantic City different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Salt Lake City both to be notable destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Salt Lake City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is very good for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Salt Lake City is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Salt Lake City offers some nice hiking trails. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Salt Lake City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

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 Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Salt Lake City both notable destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Salt Lake City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

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 Salt Lake City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Is Atlantic City or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Salt Lake City. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Salt Lake City. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Salt Lake 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Atlantic City or Salt Lake City?

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural destination of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the notable destination of Salt Lake City. This city 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 Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Atlantic City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Salt Lake City. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Salt Lake City, 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.