A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlantic City vs. Niagara Falls for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls. 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Atlantic City and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Niagara Falls are popular destinations, Atlantic City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlantic City is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Niagara Falls attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also well known for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Niagara Falls is famous for the large volume of water that flows over it.

How is Atlantic City different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Atlantic City and Niagara Falls have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Niagara Falls both to be nice destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Niagara Falls has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Atlantic City or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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 Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Atlantic City or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

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

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Niagara Falls Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beach. However, Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

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.

Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Atlantic City or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

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

Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is very family-friendly. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Niagara Falls frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Niagara Falls are nice 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 Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Atlantic City and Niagara Falls.

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.

While Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system through town.

Is Atlantic City or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Niagara Falls. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

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

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

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

One day in Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the party-oriented destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the impressive destination of Niagara Falls. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Atlantic City. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful city of Niagara Falls. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Niagara Falls, we can see that Atlantic City is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City than you might in Niagara Falls.

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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Niagara Falls?

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

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 Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Niagara Falls. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 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 Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Niagara Falls. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Atlantic City is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Atlantic City