A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Atlantic City or Austin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Austin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Austin travel costs.

Atlantic City and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Atlantic City and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its resorts and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Austin and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Atlantic City different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Atlantic City or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Atlantic City and Austin.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. 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.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Atlantic City or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Austin Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

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.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Austin Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Austin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Austin and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Atlantic City or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a city with a few options for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Austin Better for Families?

Austin is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

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 Atlantic City or Austin Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Austin both good destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Atlantic City or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is well known for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Atlantic City or Austin a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Atlantic City. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Atlantic City 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 Austin.

One day in Atlantic City or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. 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.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Austin?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Atlantic City or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Austin. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Austin, 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 Atlantic City or Austin?

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 Atlantic City or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlantic City is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Austin. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Atlantic City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is much colder than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Austin. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Austin. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Austin. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Atlantic City is much colder than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Atlantic City