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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan. 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Atlantic City and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Atlantic City and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Ketchikan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ketchikan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Ketchikan and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Ketchikan is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also home to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Atlantic City different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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 Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is renowned for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Atlantic City or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is notable for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Atlantic City. 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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is very good for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Ketchikan is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Ketchikan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Atlantic City or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

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

Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Ketchikan Better for Families?

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

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ketchikan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Ketchikan are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Atlantic City is very good for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Atlantic City or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Atlantic City and Ketchikan both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable city. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ketchikan than Atlantic City. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Atlantic City or Ketchikan?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the local destination of Ketchikan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the party-oriented destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ketchikan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Ketchikan. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Ketchikan?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Ketchikan?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlantic City is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

Atlantic City is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Atlantic City