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

Should you visit Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nags Head or Atlantic City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

It's also known for nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Nags Head and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • 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


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Nags Head and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is adequate for its historical sights. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nags Head or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Atlantic City can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Atlantic City. 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 Nags Head or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for nightlife and partying.

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.

Nags Head has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Is Nags Head or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Nags Head or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a popular place for its beaches. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

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

Nags Head is a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Atlantic City make for a good place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

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 Nags Head or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

For backpackers, both Nags Head and Atlantic City are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

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

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head 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 Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.


Is Nags Head or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Atlantic City. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

Couples should spend more time in Atlantic City than Nags Head. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Atlantic City 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Atlantic City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Atlantic City 1-3

One day in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the activity-filled destination of Nags Head. 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.

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.

A weekend in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. 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.

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.


Five days in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Nags Head. This 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the flashy 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.

A week in Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the of Nags Head. 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Atlantic City or Nags Head?

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

  • Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
    Atlantic City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nags Head $179
    Atlantic City $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $179, while the average daily cost in Atlantic City is $190. 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 Nags Head and Atlantic City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Atlantic City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Atlantic City $146
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Atlantic City

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Atlantic City? 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 Nags Head


Hotels in Atlantic City


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Atlantic City $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Prices for flights to both Atlantic City and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $71
    Atlantic City $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Atlantic City $44

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Atlantic City $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109


When comparing the travel costs between Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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.


When is the best time to visit Nags Head or Atlantic City?

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 Nags Head or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Atlantic City. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the summer, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In the autumn, Nags Head is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Nags Head or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Nags Head during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In January, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Atlantic City. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Atlantic City. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches.

Nags Head is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Nags Head

Nags Head Atlantic City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm)