A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Atlanta for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Washington 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 Washington and Atlanta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Atlanta?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.

Which place is cheaper, Atlanta or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Atlanta is $173. 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 Washington and Atlanta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $113
    Atlanta $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $226
    Atlanta $180
Compare Hotels in Washington and Atlanta

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Atlanta? 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 Washington


Hotels in Atlanta


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Atlanta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $47
    Atlanta $44
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Washington DC to DCA Airport or vice versa : $280
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA): Transfer to Washington: $177
  • Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Ronald R Airport in Washington DC: $160
  • private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
  • Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC Downtown Area only: $147
  • Private Departure Transfer to Washington Dulles Airport IAD: $128
  • Private transfer: Washington D.C. to Washington Airport (DCA): $107
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington: $105
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA to Washington DC by SUV: $88
  • Private Transfer in Washington DC: $70

Typical Local Transportation prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $285
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
  • Roundtrip Transfer PrivateExecutive Vehicle Atlanta Airport(ATL)-AtlantaDowntown: $105
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL): $80
  • Roundtrip Transfer to Harrah's Cherokee Casino: $75
  • Private Transfer in Atlanta (ATL) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $60
  • Transfer in executiveprivate vehicle from Atlanta Airport(ATL) -Atlanta Downtown: $53
  • San Jose Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Jose Costa: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Atlanta Airport (ATL): $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Atlanta?

Prices for flights to both Atlanta and Washington 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
    Washington $38
    Atlanta $43
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $74
  • Capitol Hill Food Tour: $75
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $79
  • Gastronomic Georgetown Food Tour: $80
  • Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
  • Washington DC Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • Washington,DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $113
  • Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $117
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC Signature Dinner Cruise: $133

Typical Food prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Maki Interactive Cooking Class with a Chef in Atlanta: $55
  • Atlanta Wood-Fired Pizza Making Class with Classpop!: $55
  • 2-Hour Market Food Tour & Hands-On Biscuit Class: $65
  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • Food Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine: $79
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $24
    Atlanta $56

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • 1.5 Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: $40
  • 1.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Arlington Cemetery plus Changing of the Guards: $41
  • 2 Day Self-guided Museum and Monument Tours : $100
  • 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $45
  • 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
  • 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
  • 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
  • 2H Private Guided tour at the African American Civil War Museum and Memorial : $350
  • 3 Hours Washington D.C Food Experience: $109
  • 3- Hour Private Customizable Moonlight Washington DC Tour: $450
  • 3- Hour Private Customizable Washington, DC Tour: $450
  • 3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van: $496

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

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

  • 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $65
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
  • 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $159
  • 7-Hr The Walking Dead Private VIP Tour in Atlanta and Senoia with Transportation: $350
  • 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
  • A City in a Forest: Private Atlanta Nature Tour: $159
  • African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
  • Art on the Streets: Private Atlanta Street Art Tour: $155
  • Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $19
    Atlanta $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $35
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • History of Drag Pub Crawl with a Drag Performer: $96
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $220
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $799

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:

  • Guided Brewery Tour in Atlanta: $12
  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • VIP Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $118
  • Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $120
  • Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
  • Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting: $284

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Atlanta, we can see that Washington 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.

Which is Bigger, Washington or Atlanta?

Washington is bigger, and its population is about 31% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the population of Washington vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Atlanta?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Washington or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Washington or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Washington is cooler than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Atlanta. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C)

Should I visit Washington or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Atlanta. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Washington usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Washington or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Atlanta. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Washington is generally cooler than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Washington usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Washington

Washington Atlanta
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Washington vs. Atlanta Travel Comparison

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