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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Cape Cod? 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.

Chattanooga

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

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Chattanooga and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Chattanooga and Cape Cod are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and hiking. Cape Cod is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Chattanooga is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is an experience not to be missed. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Chattanooga or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Chattanooga is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Chattanooga or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.


Is Chattanooga or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a great destination for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Chattanooga or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Chattanooga is great for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Chattanooga or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Chattanooga or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

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

Couples visit Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Chattanooga is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Chattanooga can get you to most places easily. 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.


Is Chattanooga or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Chattanooga
Cape Cod

Chattanooga is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination 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.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Both Chattanooga and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Chattanooga. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Chattanooga or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chattanooga 2-3 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

The city of Chattanooga offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Chattanooga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chattanooga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach destination offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Chattanooga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A week in Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod or Chattanooga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $182, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $183. 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 Chattanooga and Cape Cod in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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: Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Cape Cod $50
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 Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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 $59
    Cape Cod $60

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.
    Chattanooga $52
    Cape Cod $27

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
  • 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 Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $26
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    Cape Cod $19


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



When is the best time to visit Chattanooga or Cape Cod?

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 Chattanooga or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Cape Cod. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Cape Cod. The autumn months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is a little warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Cape Cod. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. It's quite cold in Chattanooga in the winter. In January, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Cape Cod. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Chattanooga is much warmer than Cape Cod in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)