A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

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 Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City. 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.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

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.

Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City are popular destinations, Isla Mujeres has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Atlantic City is more touristy than Isla Mujeres and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlantic City and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Isla Mujeres makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

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 Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Isla Mujeres for its luxury resorts. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Isla Mujeres offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

Both Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City are nice shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Atlantic City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City More Beautiful?

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

Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres 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, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

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 Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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 Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

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

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

Both Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City offer nice public transit options.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Atlantic City has some 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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlantic City than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Atlantic City 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Isla Mujeres. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

In Atlantic City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this glitzy city offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Isla Mujeres. 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.

Atlantic City is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City, we can see that Atlantic City 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 Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Atlantic City, 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.