A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Chattanooga for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Chattanooga?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Chattanooga, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Chattanooga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its hiking. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Atlanta different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Atlanta on the map. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Atlanta is an experience not to be missed. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Atlanta know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great city for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Atlanta is a world class destination for shoppers. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Atlanta is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Chattanooga are both nice to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great destination for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chattanooga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Chattanooga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

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

Couples should spend more time in Atlanta than Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Atlanta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Chattanooga 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Atlanta is a cultural city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Chattanooga, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Atlanta is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Chattanooga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chattanooga has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Chattanooga?

The sprawling city of Atlanta offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Chattanooga, we can see that Chattanooga 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 Atlanta Expensive? and Is Chattanooga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Chattanooga?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Chattanooga?

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 Atlanta or Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chattanooga. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chattanooga in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Chattanooga. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Atlanta