A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Chattanooga for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Blue Ridge and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Chattanooga, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its food, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Chattanooga is more popular for its museums. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Also, Blue Ridge is famous for Chattahoochee National Forest. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Blue Ridge different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


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

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Chattanooga.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Blue Ridge or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Chattanooga, and they are superb.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chattanooga. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

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

Blue Ridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Blue Ridge is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or Chattanooga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Blue Ridge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Chattanooga is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Chattanooga. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Chattanooga 2-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the thriving city of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chattanooga, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Chattanooga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga or Blue Ridge?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, 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 Blue Ridge and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    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 Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $35
    Chattanooga $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

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

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Chattanooga $52

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • 2-Hour Paddleboard Adventure to Nickajack Bat Cave: $75
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Chattanooga $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Chattanooga, we can see that Chattanooga is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

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


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 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 Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chattanooga. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chattanooga. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)