Should you visit Chattanooga or Hershey?
Should I visit Chattanooga or Hershey? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Hershey
Often called "Chocolatetown, USA" and "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey, Pennsylvania is most known for being home to the famous Hershey's chocolates. The Hershey Company was founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey, and has grown to sell products in over sixty countries worldwide. Before the town was named Hershey, it was called Derry Church and was the hometown of the chocolatier. While there are now manufacturing plants in many locations, Hershey, PA, remains the location that draws the crowds. It is the place where the Hershey Company originated and is home to attractions like Hershey Park, Hershey Gardens, and Hershey's Chocolate World.
Which city is cheaper, Hershey 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 Hershey is $170. 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Chattanooga and Hershey in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $73. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Chattanooga the cost is $146 on average.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $91. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Hershey the cost is $182 on average.
Food
In Chattanooga travelers spend around $47 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
While meal prices in Hershey can vary, the average travelers spends about $49 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Hershey should cost around $20 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Hershey is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Chattanooga $47
Hershey $49
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 Hershey
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:
-
Frozen Hot Chocolate
$4.19
-
Plain and Fancy Farm
$46
-
Homemade Apple Butter
$7.98
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $28 per day to get around in Chattanooga.
The cost of a taxi ride in Hershey is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $39 per person, per day, on local transportation in Hershey.
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 Hershey?
Prices for flights to both Hershey 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.
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $42 per person, per day in Chattanooga. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Entertainment and activities in Hershey typically cost an average of $43 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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 "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket:
$32
-
Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket:
$32
-
Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket:
$36
-
Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket:
$36
Typical Entertainment prices in Hershey
Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Tours and Activities in Hershey
Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket:
$13
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Chattanooga may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $19 per day on alcoholic beverages.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Hershey may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $22 per day on alcoholic beverages.
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Hershey, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Chattanooga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chattanooga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chattanooga 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey than you might in Chattanooga.
Related Articles for Chattanooga
Related Articles for Hershey
