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

Should you visit Orlando or Atlantic City?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for shopping, theater, and nightlife. See Orlando 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.

Orlando and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Atlantic City is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Atlantic City is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality

How is Orlando different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlantic City is adequate for its historical sights. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for theatre. However, Atlantic City is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Atlantic City is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Orlando 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 Orlando for its luxury resorts. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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 Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

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

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Atlantic City?

Orlando is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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.

Is Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Orlando 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, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

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

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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 Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Atlantic City Better for Students?

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

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando 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 generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is great for its walkability. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Atlantic City?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Orlando 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 Orlando or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the entertaining destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

In Atlantic City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Orlando or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend 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.

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Atlantic City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Orlando. 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.

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Atlantic City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Orlando. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Atlantic City. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Atlantic City?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Atlantic City. Most visitors come to Orlando 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.

Orlando is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In the autumn, Orlando is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Orlando during the winter are popular places to visit. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando 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. In January, Orlando is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Atlantic City. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Atlantic City in the Spring?

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

Orlando is much warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

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

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Orlando