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

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Should you visit Chattanooga or Austin?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Austin? 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.

Where Should I go: Chattanooga or Austin?

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.

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

Which city is cheaper, Austin or Chattanooga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $145, while the average daily cost in Austin is $114. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chattanooga and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $73
    Austin $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $146
    Austin $90
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Austin? 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 Chattanooga


Hotels in Austin


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Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chattanooga Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $28
    Austin $38
Typical Local Transportation prices in Chattanooga

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


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
  • Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Chattanooga 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
    Chattanooga $47
    Austin $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

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

  • Small-Group Electric Bike Food Tour in Chattanooga: $50
  • 2-Hour Small Group Southern Cuisine Food Tour in Chattanooga: $65
  • 2-Hour Chattanooga Walking Food Tour: $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Secret Food Tour: $90
  • Austin Food Tour by Bus with Live Band On Board: $93
  • Austin Beer and Food Tour by Bike: $97
  • Private Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin: $103
  • East Austin Urban Farms & Brewery Food Tour by Bike: $106
  • Wood Fired Dinner Series at the Austin Winery: $159
  • Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chattanooga $42
    Austin $22

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • Entrance Ticket to National Medal of Honor Heritage Center: $14
  • Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • Chattanooga Guided Party Bike Tour: $26
  • Hillbilly Jeep Tours from Chattanooga: $26
  • Chattanooga "Awakening" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $29
  • Chattanooga "Speakeasy" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "The Hunted" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36

Typical Entertainment prices in Austin

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


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

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

  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $20
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Spy Adventure: Operation Mindfall: $25
  • Spy Adventure at the Domain in Austin: $25
  • Operation Mindfall, A Spy Adventure in Austin: $25
  • Austin Street Art Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $26
  • Downtown Austin Photo Tour: $26
  • Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $19
    Austin $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga

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

  • Chattanooga Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Tastings: $41
  • Half-Day Private Wine Tour in Chattanooga: $159

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • More than a Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tours through East Austin via Motorized Pedicab: $40
  • Austin Pedicab Brewery Tour with Beer Flights Included Option: $46
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $81
  • Private Texas Hill Country Half-Day Wine Tour from Austin: $140
  • Texas Hill Country Wine Tour by Limousine: $175
  • Customizable Austin Distillery and Brewery Tour: $206
  • Half-Day Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Austin with Tastings: $240

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Chattanooga or Austin?

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 Chattanooga or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chattanooga is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chattanooga in July are around 81°F (27°C), and Austin is about 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Austin. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Chattanooga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Chattanooga is generally cooler than Austin. Temperatures in Chattanooga average around 63°F (17°C), and Austin stays around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the autumn, Chattanooga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Austin. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Austin. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. Chattanooga is much colder than Austin in the winter. The temperature in Chattanooga is usually 40°F (5°C) in January, and Austin stays around 51°F (11°C).

Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Austin. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Austin. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the spring, Chattanooga is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chattanooga in April are around 62°F (17°C), and Austin is about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In the spring, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Austin. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Austin. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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Chattanooga vs. Austin Travel Comparison

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