A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Atlantic City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Atlantic City

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

West Palm Beach and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although West Palm Beach and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while West Palm Beach is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is West Palm Beach different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is adequate for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Atlantic City. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is very popular for nightlife. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is West Palm Beach or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to West Palm Beach for its luxury resorts. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Is West Palm Beach or Atlantic City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

West Palm Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Atlantic City Better for Families?

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

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit West Palm Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach and Atlantic City both offer good public transit to get you around.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. 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 West Palm Beach or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a great city for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

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

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

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

One day in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

The colorful destination of Atlantic City offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

The city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach area 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 is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beach area of West Palm Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Atlantic City, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Atlantic City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Atlantic City?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Atlantic City. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Atlantic City. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Atlantic City. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°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 West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and West Palm Beach