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

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Should you visit Chattanooga or Charlottesville?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Charlottesville? 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 Charlottesville?

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.

Charlottesville

Located in central Virginia, Charlottesville is a little university town steeped in history and culture. Home to Thomas Jefferson, much of the town's architecture is heavily influenced by his hand, while the people scene is full of activities, dining, and entertainment. Many visitors are drawn to the area for the University of Virginia, the Historic Downtown Mall, plus many quaint vineyards and farms in the surrounding countryside.

Which place is cheaper, Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville is $154. 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 Charlottesville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $92
    Charlottesville $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $184
    Charlottesville $160
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Charlottesville

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Charlottesville? 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 Charlottesville


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 and Charlottesville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Charlottesville $53
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 Charlottesville

Also for Charlottesville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Charlottesville?

Prices for flights to both Charlottesville 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
    Charlottesville $42

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

For Charlottesville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Downtown Mall Food Tour: $199

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

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: $25
  • 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's North Shore & Coolidge Park Guided Segway Tour: $75
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Museum visit: $44
  • Derailed Trolley Tour and Train Ride: $59

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Shenandoah National Park: $13
  • Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Charlottesville Dark History Ghost Tour : $26
  • Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    Charlottesville $53

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $85
  • Virginia Private Custom Wine Tour from Charlottesville: $499
  • Vintage VW Private Wine Tour in Virginia's Countryside: $1,125

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Charlottesville?

Chattanooga is bigger, and its population is about 4.5 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the population of Chattanooga vs. Charlottesville, 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 Chattanooga or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chattanooga is generally around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 81°F (27°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Charlottesville. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Charlottesville 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Charlottesville. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Charlottesville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Charlottesville. Also, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. It's quite cold in Chattanooga in the winter. In the winter, Chattanooga is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chattanooga in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Charlottesville. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Charlottesville in the Spring?

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

In April, Chattanooga is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 62°F (17°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Charlottesville 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Charlottesville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 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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Chattanooga vs. Charlottesville Travel Comparison

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