A Travel Price Comparison for Tennessee Chattanooga vs. Gatlinburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Chattanooga or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Gatlinburg? 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 Gatlinburg?

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.

Gatlinburg

Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.

Which city is cheaper, Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg is $152. 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 Gatlinburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $73
    Gatlinburg $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $146
    Gatlinburg $128
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Gatlinburg

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Gatlinburg? 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 Gatlinburg


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 Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $28
    Gatlinburg $28
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 Gatlinburg?

Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg 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
    Gatlinburg $68

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

Typical Food prices in Gatlinburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chattanooga $42
    Gatlinburg $19

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • Chattanooga "Awakening" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $29
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Speakeasy" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "The Hunted" 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
  • Chattanooga Guided Electric Bike City Tour: $80
  • Chattanooga Guided Party Bike Tour: $26
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • Chattanooga Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayak Tour: $75

Typical Entertainment prices in Gatlinburg

For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Photos
    $22
  • Horseback Riding (for 2)
    $55

Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg

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

  • Gatlinburg Ghost Tour: $22
  • Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg: $26
  • Impossibilities Magic Show at the Iris Theater Ticket: $26
  • Great Smoky Mountains Waterfall Adventure Hiking Tour: $75
  • Pigeon Forge: Helicopter Tour of Gatllinburg: $158
  • Can-AM Maverick 1000 Adventure Vehicle Rental: $217
  • Polaris 570 Ranger Adventure Vehicle Rental: $217

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $19
    Gatlinburg $12

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 Gatlinburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:

  • Gatlinburg's Best Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tastings: $44

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Chattanooga and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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.


When is the best time to visit Chattanooga or Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chattanooga in July are around 81°F (27°C), and Gatlinburg is about 81°F (27°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Gatlinburg.

In October, Chattanooga is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Temperatures in Chattanooga average around 63°F (17°C), and Gatlinburg stays around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the winter. The temperature in Chattanooga is usually 40°F (5°C) in January, and Gatlinburg stays around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Gatlinburg. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chattanooga in April are around 62°F (17°C), and Gatlinburg is about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Gatlinburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 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) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)


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Chattanooga vs. Gatlinburg Travel Comparison

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