A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Atlanta for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Atlanta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Atlanta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Bali travel costs.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Atlanta travel costs.

Bali and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Atlanta?

Both Atlanta and Bali have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atlanta is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Bali different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlanta and Bali. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Atlanta?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Bali is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Bali is a must-see party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Resorts?

Bali is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Bali is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great island for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Atlanta?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Bali or Atlanta More Beautiful?

Bali is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Atlanta.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Bali is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Atlanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Students?

Atlanta is a well-known place for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Bali is not popular with students.

Is Bali or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bali is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

While Bali offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Bali or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Atlanta is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Bali?

How long in Bali or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Bali or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bali due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Atlanta 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Atlanta?

In Bali, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Atlanta is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Atlanta?

In Bali, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Atlanta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Atlanta?

Bali is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Atlanta. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. In Bali, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The sprawling city of Atlanta offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Atlanta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in Bali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Atlanta, 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 Bali or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Atlanta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Atlanta. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Atlanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Atlanta averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Atlanta. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Atlanta in the Winter?

Both Atlanta and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bali is much warmer than Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Atlanta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bali is a little warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Bali