A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Virginia Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Food

Should you visit Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach. 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 colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Atlantic City and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Atlantic City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlantic City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Atlantic City is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also well known for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Atlantic City different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is adequate for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City is a must-see party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its 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.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.


Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City and Virginia Beach both offer nice beaches.

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City and Virginia Beach both nice 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.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Atlantic City or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Virginia Beach

Atlantic City is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.


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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

Both Atlantic City and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Atlantic City. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia 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 Virginia Beach?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city 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 Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Atlantic City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the coastal city of Virginia 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.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Atlantic City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Atlantic City Prices
    USA Prices
    Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Atlantic City $190
    Virginia Beach $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $190, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlantic City and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Virginia Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Atlantic City


Hotels in Virginia Beach


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Virginia Beach $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Atlantic City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Atlantic City $86
    Virginia Beach $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
  • 1-Hour Ocean Parasailing Adventure In Ocean City, MD: $95
  • 1-Hour Private Party Assateague Island Pony Cruise in Ocean City: $200
  • 1-Hour Private Party Happy Hour Booze Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $190
  • 1-Hour Sea Rocket Sunset & OC Harbor Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $38
  • 45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD: $40
  • 75 Minute Private Party Back Bay Sunset Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $200
  • Aces to Ashes: Apparitions of Atlantic City Boardwalk Ghost Tour: $31
  • Assateague Horses, Herons and Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $29
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $110
  • EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $35

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $32
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $63
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $64
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Virginia Beach, we can see that Atlantic City is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlantic City is generally cooler than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Virginia Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. Atlantic City is much colder than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Virginia Beach. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Virginia Beach. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Atlantic City is cooler than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)