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

Should you visit Raleigh or Atlantic City?

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

Should I visit Raleigh 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums. See Raleigh travel costs.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Raleigh and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Atlantic City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlantic City than Raleigh, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Raleigh is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Atlantic City is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Also, Atlantic City is famous for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Raleigh is well known for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Raleigh is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

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.

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

Both Raleigh and Atlantic City offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Raleigh or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Atlantic City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Raleigh or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is well known for its resorts. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Is Raleigh or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beach. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Atlantic City to go shopping. 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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Raleigh is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

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 Raleigh or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Atlantic City is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Atlantic City is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a popular place for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Raleigh or Atlantic City Better for Students?

Raleigh is well known for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Many students visit Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Raleigh and Atlantic City. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Atlantic City than Raleigh. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Raleigh, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Atlantic City than Raleigh. 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the suburban-style destination of Raleigh. 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 Raleigh or Atlantic City?

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

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 Raleigh or Atlantic City?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the southern destination of Raleigh. 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 Raleigh or Atlantic City?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Raleigh. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Raleigh and Atlantic City, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Atlantic City?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Atlantic City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Raleigh or Atlantic City in the Summer?

Both Atlantic City and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during summer. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. It's quite rainy in Raleigh. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Raleigh or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Raleigh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city's sights and attractions. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In October, Raleigh is generally a little warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 61°F (16°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the autumn, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Atlantic City. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Atlantic City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Atlantic City. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh 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 Raleigh in the winter. Raleigh is much warmer than Atlantic City in the winter. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during winter. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atlantic City. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Raleigh or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Atlantic City. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Raleigh is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Raleigh in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In the spring, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Atlantic City. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Raleigh