Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Chattanooga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Chattanooga or Honolulu? 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 is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.
Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
You'll generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Chattanooga. Honolulu is bigger than Chattanooga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Honolulu and Chattanooga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Honolulu on the map. For many visitors, a trip to Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable experiences while they're in Hawaii. It's still an active naval base, but it's also a National Historic Landmark that memorializes that historic day in 1941. There are many sights that reflect on the past and you can also pick up tours to the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Other cultural sights around Honolulu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Shangri-La Museum, and Iolani Palace.
Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.
Honolulu 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 Honolulu is an experience not to be missed. The city offers a mix of internationally recognized chain restaurants as well as local mom and pop shops. You'll find a mix of cuisines that reflect the city's multicultural personality. There is plenty of Japanese food around town as well as local Hawaiian dishes. Spam is incorporated into many dishes, but you'll also find seafood and tropical fruits.
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.
Honolulu is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
The people in Honolulu know how to have a good time. The city has the most active nightlife scene on all of the Hawaiian islands. If you're looking for a party, then this is the place to stay. You'll find many bars, clubs, and entertainment options around town, as well as beach parties and festivals. For tourists, the highest concentration of nightlife venues is around Waikiki, which is also where you'll find the most hotels.
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.
Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Honolulu is a great choice. The highest concentration of resorts are around Waikiki where you'll find all of the major names such as the Hilton, Marriott, and the Hyatt.
Chattanooga is not a resort destination.
Honolulu is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Honolulu. There are great beaches around the island and near the city where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. You'll find coral and tropical fish that make for a wonderful experience.
Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Honolulu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Honolulu. Nearby there are countless beach destinations such as the famed Waikiki Beach. There are also more local and lesser known stretches of sand where you can escape the tourist crowds. Other great beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Magic Island, and Lanikai Beach.
Chattanooga is not a beach destination.
Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.
People visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Both in the city and nearby you'll find world famous hiking trails that offer spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural landmarks and dramatic mountains. Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of the top hiking trails in the area. Other popular options include Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Diamond Head Crater Hike.
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.
Honolulu 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 Honolulu. The city has some of the best shopping opportunities in the Hawaiian islands. There are brand name fashion outlets, large shopping malls, and boutique local vendors. Many of the malls are open air and let you enjoy the Hawaiian climate while you browse. Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki both have many shopping opportunities.
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.
Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Honolulu is a very family-friendly destination. There are many kid-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and activities that appeal to families. While Waikiki Beach can get crowded, it is also a great option for kids. Kids will also enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, swimming with dolphins, or taking surfing lessons. For a cold treat, everyone can enjoy shave ice and the perfect way to wrap up a day is a fun luau.
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.
Honolulu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Honolulu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Romantic resorts, beautiful beaches, and stunning hikes make this a top honeymoon destination for couples. The city has an energy that is unlike anywhere else on the Hawaiian islands, but there are also nature trails and outdoor adventures nearby. There are a diversity of restaurants that highlight both local and international cuisines, and a nightlife scene that will keep you entertained.
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.
Honolulu is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.
Honolulu is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the easier places to stay in Hawaii as a backpacker. There are a handful of hostels, and public transit is available so having a car isn't as crucial as it is everywhere else.
Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.
Chattanooga is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Chattanooga. 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.
Honolulu has a few public transit options. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.
Chattanooga and Honolulu both are excellent when exploring on foot.
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.
Honolulu is very walkable. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.
For even more information, also check out Is Chattanooga Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.
Both Chattanooga and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Honolulu than in Chattanooga. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.
Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Chattanooga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Honolulu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Honolulu than Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Honolulu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Honolulu than Chattanooga 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 Honolulu.
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.
Honolulu is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.
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.
Honolulu is a multi-cultural big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
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.
Honolulu is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
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.
Honolulu is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.
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.
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 Honolulu is $284. 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 Honolulu in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Honolulu? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Honolulu 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu than you might in Chattanooga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Honolulu Expensive?.
Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Honolulu, 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.
Both Honolulu and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chattanooga in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).
In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Honolulu. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Chattanooga is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 63°F (17°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Honolulu. The winter months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.
The weather in Chattanooga can be very cold. Chattanooga is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.
Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Honolulu. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Honolulu and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Chattanooga is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chattanooga in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Chattanooga | Honolulu | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
Mar | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |