A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Charleston for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Atlantic City or Charleston?

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 Charleston. 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 glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Charleston

Charleston is a charming, southern, and quaint coastal town. Charleston is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Charleston travel costs.

Atlantic City and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Charleston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Atlantic City is more touristy than Charleston and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Charleston is well known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park.

How is Atlantic City different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Charleston 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 Charleston?

Charleston is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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 Charleston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston 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 Charleston, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston Better for Music?

Charleston is a good destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is notable for its resorts. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Charleston is well known for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Many people visit Charleston for it's beautiful beaches. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

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 Atlantic City or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Charleston is revered around the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Charleston?

Charleston is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Charleston is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston More Beautiful?

Charleston is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charleston is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston Better for Families?

Charleston 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 Charleston. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

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 Charleston Better for Couples?

Charleston is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Charleston is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Atlantic City or Charleston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston Better for Students?

Charleston is a good destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Charleston is popular with students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston 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, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Is Atlantic City or Charleston a more walkable city?

Atlantic City and Charleston both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Charleston is a very walkable city. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Charleston?

Both Atlantic City and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Atlantic City. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.

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

Couples should spend more time in Charleston than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Charleston that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston 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 Charleston.

One day in Atlantic City or Charleston?

With shopping and nightlife around the party-oriented city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the classic destination of Charleston. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Charleston?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Charleston?

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the classic destination of Charleston. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal town 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.

A week in Atlantic City or Charleston?

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful coastal town of Charleston. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

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 Charleston, we can see that Charleston 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 Charleston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Charleston?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Charleston, 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 Charleston?

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 Charleston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Charleston. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Atlantic City is generally cooler than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Charleston. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Charleston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Charleston. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Charleston because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Atlantic City is cooler than Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Charleston. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In the winter, Atlantic City is much colder than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).

Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Charleston. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charleston and Atlantic City