A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Atlanta for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

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 Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta. 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Atlanta travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Atlanta. While Atlanta is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Atlanta is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Atlanta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta are great family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Atlanta is very family-friendly. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Many students visit Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Fort Lauderdale 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 Atlanta.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Atlanta is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta, 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 Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta?

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 Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Atlanta in the Spring?

Both Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale