A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Chattanooga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Asheville or Chattanooga?

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 Asheville and Chattanooga. 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.

Where Should I go: Asheville or Chattanooga?

Asheville

Asheville is a beautiful mountain town between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a popular tourist destination in western North Carolina that attracts hikers, shoppers, and adventurers alike. It's the largest city in the area and is famous for it's liberal mindset and large art community. Local crafts are frequently available for sale in the downtown shops.

Chattanooga

Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.

Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga or Asheville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $133, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $182. 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 Asheville and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Asheville and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Asheville or Chattanooga? 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 Asheville


Hotels in Chattanooga


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: Asheville Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    Chattanooga $35

Typical Local Transportation prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Asheville 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
    Asheville $33
    Chattanooga $59
Typical Food prices in Asheville

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Asheville:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Asheville

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Asheville.

  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $129

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $94
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asheville $16
    Chattanooga $52
Typical Entertainment prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • River Arts District Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Downtown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour : $5.00
  • A Taste of West Asheville Tip-Based Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Asheville's Historic Smart Phone Guided App (GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Asheville's Famous Ghosts Smart Phone GPS APP Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Asheville Historic Highlights: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Asheville) Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
  • Asheville Scavenger Hunt: Downtown Asheville Adventure: $12
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $27
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : $30
  • Asheville Terrors Ghosts of the Blue Ridge By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Historic Music Scene Walking Tour in Asheville: $30

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum Admission Ticket in Chattanooga: $14
  • Skip the Line: Alpaca Farm Tour Ticket in Adairsville Georgia: $21
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $23
  • Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour: $23
  • Original Local Award-Winning Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • Ghost & Booze Tour of Chattanooga - 21+ Over: $25
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in Chattanooga: $25
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $25
  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    Chattanooga $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Asheville Terror Boos and Brews Ultimate Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $39
  • Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Samples: $65
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $67
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Floating Bar Crawl Tour: $72
  • "Beer Flight" Drag Queen Bar Crawl Tour + VIP After Party Seating: $77
  • Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville: $79
  • 3 Hour Brewery Bus Guided Tour in Asheville: $89
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $99

Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chattanooga:

  • Craft Brewery Walking and Beer Tasting Tour: $50


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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga is bigger, and its population is about 2.3 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the population of Asheville vs. Chattanooga, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Asheville or Chattanooga?

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 Asheville or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In the summer, Asheville is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In July, Asheville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Asheville 82°F (28°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Asheville or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Asheville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the autumn, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Chattanooga. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Asheville or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. Asheville is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asheville usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Asheville 44°F (7°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Asheville or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Chattanooga. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Asheville is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the spring, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chattanooga. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Asheville

Asheville Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 47°F (8°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 55°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 47°F (8°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)


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.
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Asheville vs. Chattanooga Travel Comparison

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