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 city 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 $155, while the average daily cost in Atlanta is $136. 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 city. 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 $91
    Atlanta $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Atlanta $144
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 $37
    Atlanta $34
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:

  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Private transfer from or to IAD , DCA , PHL , MDT airports , VA and Philadelphia: $320
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $218
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168
  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160

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:

  • Private Transfer: Atlanta to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Int. Airport (ATL): $622
  • Private Transfer: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Int. Airport (ATL) to Atlanta: $622
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Atlanta Airport - Camp Cove Crest: $433
  • Departure Private Transfer Atlanta City to Hartsfield Airport ATL by Minibus: $225
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Hotel by Executive SUV: $194
  • Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta City to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury Car: $183
  • Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City in Luxury Car: $174
  • Private Atlanta Airport Roundtrip Transfer by Van: $165
  • Atlanta Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $145
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Hotel by Executive Sedan: $145
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
  • Individual transfer from Atlanta ATL airport to Atlanta: $124

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 $30
    Atlanta $33
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:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

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:

  • 2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta: $75
  • Atlanta's Southern Food Tour: $86
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Atlanta: $116
  • Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option: $249

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Atlanta $45

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

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

  • 3 Hour Hollywood of the South Private Atlanta Film Locations Tour: $136
  • 3 Hour Private Gone With the Wind Tour of Margaret Mitchell's Atlanta: $136
  • 6-Day Charleston+North Carolina+Tennessee Tour (Atlanta departure)(G6): $888
  • A City in a Forest: Private Atlanta Nature Tour: $136
  • Art on the Streets: Private Atlanta Public and Street Art Tour: $136
  • Atlanta Beltline Small Group Walking Tour: $38
  • Atlanta Black History and Civil Rights Tour: $67
  • Atlanta Brew Bus Tour: $71
  • Atlanta City Private Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Bus: $700
  • Atlanta City Tour by Convertible: $77
  • Atlanta City Tour by Luxury Car: $65
  • Atlanta Heart & Soul Tour by Luxury Car: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Atlanta $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

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

  • Atlanta Bar Hunt: All About Atlanta Bar Crawl: $12
  • Atlanta 5-Hour VIP Brewery Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Atlanta Brewery Guided Tours: $65
  • Three Vineyard Classic Wine Tasting Tour: $165
  • Explore Rabun County - Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $170
  • Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting: $204
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour of Three Vineyards: $210

About these numbers

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.


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. Temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Atlanta stays 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 temperature in Washington is usually 60°F (15°C) in October, and Atlanta stays 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 are around 35°F (1°C), and Atlanta is 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. Temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Atlanta stays 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)


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Washington vs. Atlanta Travel Comparison

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