Atlantic City is a colorful city known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Atlantic City?
You should plan to spend around $190 per day on your vacation in Atlantic City. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $86 on meals
- $40 on local transportation
- $146 on hotels
A one week trip to Atlantic City for two people costs, on average, $2,660. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,330
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,660
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One Month
Per person
$5,700
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One Week
For a couple
$2,660
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,320
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One Month
For a couple
$11,400
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Atlantic City cost?
A one week trip to Atlantic City usually costs around $1,330 for one person and $2,660 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Atlantic City on average costs around $2,660 for one person and $5,320 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Atlantic City will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Atlantic City on average costs around $5,700 for one person and $11,400 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Atlantic City expensive to visit?
Atlantic City is a terrific city that brings in many travelers, showcasing a range of travel styles and spending choices. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Atlantic City has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $82 per day, mid-range travelers spend $190 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $384 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Atlantic City.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Atlantic City is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Tallahassee or Santa Fe.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Atlantic City Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Atlantic City?
The average Atlantic City trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Atlantic City travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Atlantic City cost?
Atlantic City on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$32
|
$73
|
$141
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$17
|
$40
|
$84
|
|
Food 2
|
$37
|
$86
|
$180
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$19
|
$44
|
$85
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$8-25
|
$20-59
|
$39-117
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Atlantic City with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $82 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Atlantic City, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $190 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $384 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Party Sunset Cruise in Ocean City, MD - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Atlantic City
The cost of hotels in Atlantic City can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $116, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $216. Budget hotels range from $70 to $733, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Atlantic City for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $146. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $73 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Atlantic City include:
- Ocean Casino Resort starting at $112
- Wyndham Skyline Tower starting at $103
Thanks to Atlantic City's great public transportation, you can stay outside the city for cheaper accommodations, but be aware of the potential for increased transportation costs and commute time.
In this city, you'll find a range of resorts to consider. You could find a place that provides meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts feature onsite eateries.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Exploring Atlantic City on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Atlantic City
With a good public transit network in Atlantic City, many of the main sights are easy to reach. 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 a great way to save some cash and get around, but only if it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are available, too.
Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $40 per person, per day, on local transportation in Atlantic City. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Atlantic City is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$40
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
How much does it cost to go to Atlantic City? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Atlantic City will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Atlantic City
While the food in Atlantic City is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Atlantic City can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Atlantic City is $86 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$86
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Atlantic City is around $86 ($86) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $180. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Atlantic City are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $26
- Lunch: $13 to $35
- Dinner: $26 to $61
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
There's no shortage of cheap restaurants to choose from in Atlantic City, but for visitors who want a little more, there are also some good upscale restaurants to choose from. There's a wide variety of cuisine types to choose from including seafood, pizza, subs, and more.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Atlantic City
It's not surprising that visitors come to Atlantic City, as it offers nightlife, resorts, food, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Atlantic City typically cost an average of $44 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$44
Atlantic City is really about the casinos, but if you venture outside a bit, there are some interesting attractions. Head to the Atlantic City Aquarium to see a bit of wildlife. There's also the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Absecon Lighthouse. Slightly more unique attractions include Lucy the Elephant, a 65 ton building designed to look like and elephant, and Monopoly Monument. Also make sure you check out one of Atlantic City's famous live shows at Boardwalk Hall.
Casinos, partying, and shows are the activities of choice in Atlantic City. For guests who want to get out on the water, there's fishing and other activities to choose from as well along the beach.
A nice way to explore destinations in Atlantic City is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour for $110 details
- Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt for $27 details
- Sea Rocket Speed Boat and Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD for $30 details
Nightlife Budget in Atlantic City
The nightlife scene in Atlantic City is world-class, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $39 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Atlantic City per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$39
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Atlantic City. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting for $15 details
Traveling in Atlantic City
Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.
There is no shortage of hotels to stay at in Atlantic City. Most are chains with affordable prices. It's easy to experience Atlantic City on a budget, just don't gamble away your savings!
Neighborhoods & Around
Tourists typically spend their time either the Boardwalk or the Marina areas. The Boardwalk runs along Pacific Avenue right by the beach. This area is where you'll find the famous casino hotels including popular names like Tropicana, Caesars, and Trump Taj Mahal. There are plenty of restaurants in the area.
The Marina is where cruise ships dock. This is also where fishing charter boats depart from. The area has a handful of casinos, including Golden Nugget, Harrah's and the Borgata. It's connected to the boardwalk by the Jitney buses.
Budget travelers sometimes stay along Route 30 where there are cheaper chain hotels and budget chain restaurants.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.