A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Atlantic City or Kailua-Kona?

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 Kailua-Kona. 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.

Where Should I go: Atlantic City or Kailua-Kona?

Atlantic City

Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.

Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona 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 Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Kailua-Kona?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?

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 Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

Both Kailua-Kona 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.

The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

Atlantic City is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Atlantic City