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

Should you visit Islamorada or Atlantic City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Atlantic City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife and resorts. Atlantic City is more touristy than Islamorada and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea.

How is Islamorada different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

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

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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 Islamorada or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Islamorada 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, Islamorada makes for a great culinary experience. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is renowned for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

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 Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a great city for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.


Is Islamorada or Atlantic City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Islamorada is well known for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Many people visit Islamorada for it's beautiful beaches. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Atlantic City both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Atlantic City offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Islamorada or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Islamorada is very family-friendly. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

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

Islamorada is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.


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

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada 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 limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a great city for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Atlantic City. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Islamorada than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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.


  • How many days in Islamorada or Atlantic City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Islamorada 4-7 
    Atlantic City 1-3

One day in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the flashy city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tropical destination of Islamorada. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This village 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.

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful village of Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Atlantic City or Islamorada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $145, while the average daily cost in Atlantic City is $154. 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 Islamorada and Atlantic City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Atlantic City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Atlantic City $146
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Atlantic City

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada or Atlantic City? 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.

Hotels in Islamorada


Hotels in Atlantic City


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: Islamorada Hotel Prices and Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    Atlantic City $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Prices for flights to both Atlantic City and Islamorada 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamorada $47
    Atlantic City $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamorada $19
    Atlantic City $44

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.

  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure from Cheeca Spa: $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 75-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure Above Ocean City, MD: $70
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $22
  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure: $53
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Parasailing Experience: $95
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $119
  • Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour: $110
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    Atlantic City $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Islamorada and Atlantic City, 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Atlantic 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.


When is the best time to visit Islamorada or Atlantic City?

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 Islamorada or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Atlantic City. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Atlantic City. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C) 
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Islamorada is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Islamorada during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Atlantic City. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Atlantic City. The spring months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

Islamorada is much warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Islamorada

Islamorada Atlantic City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm)