A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlantic City vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Atlantic City or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver. 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Atlantic City and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver. Although Atlantic City and Vancouver are both popular with visitors, Vancouver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vancouver is more popular for its museums & sights, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park.

How is Atlantic City different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Vancouver that are not to be missed. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver 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, Vancouver makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a world class 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.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Atlantic City or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. 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.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a good destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Vancouver is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Vancouver?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Vancouver is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver Better for Families?

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

Vancouver is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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

Is Atlantic City or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is well known for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Many students visit Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vancouver can get you around easily. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Vancouver?

In either Atlantic City or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver 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 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Atlantic 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 Vancouver.

One day in Atlantic City or Vancouver?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the colorful destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Atlantic City or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the flashy city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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 Vancouver?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Vancouver. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver 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. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 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 Vancouver. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Vancouver. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vancouver can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver 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 Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Atlantic City