Atlanta is a sprawling city known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Atlanta and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Atlanta?
You should plan to spend around $204 per day on your vacation in Atlanta. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $74 on meals
- $44 on local transportation
- $180 on hotels
A one week trip to Atlanta for two people costs, on average, $2,856. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,428
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,856
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One Month
Per person
$6,120
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,856
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,712
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One Month
For a couple
$12,240
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Atlanta cost?
A one week trip to Atlanta usually costs around $1,428 for one person and $2,856 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Atlanta on average costs around $2,856 for one person and $5,712 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Atlanta will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Atlanta on average costs around $6,120 for one person and $12,240 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Atlanta expensive to visit?
Atlanta is a dynamic city that boasts a wide array of activities. Here, travelers of varying budgets and styles unite to experience everything this destination has to offer. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Atlanta can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and finding free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $87 per day, mid-range travelers spend $204 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $455 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Atlanta.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Atlanta is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Grand Canyon National Park or Colorado Springs.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Atlanta Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Atlanta?
The average Atlanta trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Atlanta travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Atlanta cost?
Atlanta on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
|
$90
|
$168
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$17
|
$44
|
$115
|
|
Food 2
|
$29
|
$74
|
$190
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$22
|
$56
|
$141
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
|
$9-26
|
$16-49
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Atlanta, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $87 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Atlanta, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Atlanta. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $204 per person, per day.
In Atlanta, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Glenn Hotel Autograph Collection is a great choice for families, and Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Atlanta.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $455 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Stranger Things "The Upside Down" Film Locations Tour in Atlanta - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Atlanta
Atlanta offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $129, but during peak winter season, they can average $241. Prices range from $91 to $356, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Atlanta for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $180. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $90 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Atlanta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Atlanta include:
- Hotel Clermont Atlanta starting at $111
- Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center starting at $197
- Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel starting at $189
- Glenn Hotel Autograph Collection starting at $178
- Loews Atlanta Hotel starting at $246
In a family-friendly destination like Atlanta, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children. Since it's a large city, rooms tend to be smaller and a bit tight on space.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of winter, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Atlanta
Unfortunately, Atlanta does not provide a solid public transit network. 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.
You'll find that parts of Atlanta are quite pedestrian-friendly, making sightseeing a breeze. 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.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $44 per person, per day, on local transportation in Atlanta. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Atlanta is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$44
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Black SUV Hourly Service & Luxury Airport Transfers for $115 details
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car for $117 details
- Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury SUV for $131 details
How much does it cost to go to Atlanta? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Atlanta will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Atlanta, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
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MARTA Subway Ticket
$4.00
Food Budget in Atlanta
The culinary offerings in Atlanta are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Atlanta can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Atlanta is $74 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Atlanta is around $74 ($74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $190. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Atlanta are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
There is know shortage of restaurants in Atlanta and in recent years many celebrity chefs have opened restaurants in the area. You can find any type of food, from southern style diners to top rated international restaurants offering sushi, Indian, or even Ethiopian food.
As with most southern cities, there are also many fast food chains around. Atlanta is actually the home to several famous chains such as Waffle House, Chick-Fil-A, Zaxby's, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Arbys.
Eating at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner is a great way to save money. Many dining venues in tourist areas or business centers feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often smaller and cheaper versions of the dinner menu. If you're willing to search, you might discover a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price. For dinner, you can just enjoy a light meal.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Atlanta, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- 2 Hour Holiday Market Food Tour with Snowman Biscuit Class for $75 details
- Prohibition Themed Downtown Atlanta Progressive Dinner for $275 details
- Atlanta Plantation tour with Southern dinner for $259 details
Food and meal prices in Atlanta, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
$15
-
Lunch
$20
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Atlanta
The allure of Atlanta is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Atlanta typically cost an average of $56 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$56
There are some great places to visit in Atlanta, but one of the most impressive is the Georgia Aquarium. It has on display a whale shark, which is the largest fish in the ocean. It's also the only whale shark in captivity in North America. Other popular sights in Atlanta include the World of Coca-Cola, the CNN Center and Studio Tour, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, and the Atlanta History Center. Some of the best parks in the city are the Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park. Also consider visiting Zoo Atlanta, which is very impressive, particularly if you're traveling with children.
There are all types of performing arts in Atlanta. The Atlanta Ballet is the oldest professional dance company in America. Other options are the Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Sport teams in the city include the Atlanta Braves (baseball), the Atlanta Falcons (football), The Atlanta Hawks (basketball), the Atlanta Thrashers (hockey), the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (college), and the Atlanta Beat (women's soccer).
Museums and Attractions:
Atlanta's museums and landmarks are must-sees for any visitor. 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.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Atlanta is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Atlanta Highlights Private Tour for $175 details
- Atlanta Then and Now Private History Tour for $130 details
- Atlanta Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour for $14 details
Nightlife Budget in Atlanta
In Atlanta, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Atlanta per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Atlanta. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting for $159 details
- North Georgia Mountains Two Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour for $155 details
- Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains for $115 details
Traveling in Atlanta
Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Georgia
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.
Atlanta is a humid subtropical climate with four different seasons and consistent rain year around. The summers are famously hot and humid and the winters are cool. Summer highs reach into the 90s and there are, on average, 48 freezing days a year. Ice storms are common and treacherous during the winter months.
Neighborhoods & Around
As a tourist, you'll find most of the attractions in the downtown area including the state capitol, city hall, the CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium and the New World of Coca-Cola. The Midtown area is popular for its nightlife and is also home to Georgia Tech University. Buckhead also has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and restaurants. East Atlanta has some eclectic residential neighborhoods and South Atlanta has the Atlanta Braves and the airport. West Atlanta includes neighborhoods such as Vine City, Bankhead, Historic West End, Collier Heights and the Upper Westside. Decatur is just a few miles from downtown Atlanta and is a residential town with several pedestrian friendly areas.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
Most people don't think of Atlanta as a vacation spot but we actually love the city. You'll want to have a car to get around because the public transit is awful, but there are amazing museums, a world class aquarium, and great southern restaurants.