A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Juneau for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Chattanooga or Juneau?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Juneau? 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 thriving, bustling, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Chattanooga and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Juneau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Juneau. Although Chattanooga and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Juneau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Juneau is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chattanooga is known for its nightlife. Juneau is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier. Chattanooga is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Juneau 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 Juneau?

Chattanooga
Juneau

Juneau is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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.


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

Chattanooga
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau is an experience not to be missed. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga
Juneau

Chattanooga is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Chattanooga. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Chattanooga or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga
Juneau

Juneau is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Juneau?

Chattanooga
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau Better for Families?

Chattanooga
Juneau

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

Juneau is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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 Juneau Better for Couples?

Chattanooga
Juneau

Juneau is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chattanooga
Juneau

Juneau is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Juneau is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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.

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

Chattanooga
Juneau

Chattanooga is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Chattanooga can get you around 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 mostly limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Chattanooga or Juneau a more walkable city?

Chattanooga
Juneau

Chattanooga and Juneau both are high quality 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.

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.


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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chattanooga and Juneau. In our opinion, Juneau has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Juneau than Chattanooga. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau 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 Juneau.


  • How many days in Chattanooga or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chattanooga 2-3 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Chattanooga or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic city of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Juneau?

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Juneau. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The breathtaking city of Juneau offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Chattanooga or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Chattanooga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Juneau. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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, Juneau 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 Juneau is $160. 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 Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $92
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $184
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Juneau? 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 Juneau


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 Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Juneau $38
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 Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau 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
    Juneau $49

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
    Juneau $17

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum Admission Ticket in Chattanooga: $14
  • Scenic City Ghosts, Voodoo, Murder Mystery Tour: $21
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $23
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Original Local Award-Winning Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour: $25
  • Ghost & Booze Tour of Chattanooga - 21+ Over: $25
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in Chattanooga: $25
  • Ghosts of Scenic City: Chattanooga Ghosts, Murder & Mystery Tour: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau: $154
  • eBikes Alaska - Rainforest Adventure: $160
  • Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise with Local Guide: $177
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    Juneau $16


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


Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Juneau?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Juneau, 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.


When is the best time to visit Chattanooga or Juneau?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Juneau in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Juneau. The summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

In July, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 81°F (27°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during summer. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Juneau. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Juneau in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Juneau. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chattanooga is much warmer than Juneau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In the autumn, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Chattanooga usually gets less rain in October than Juneau. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Juneau can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. In the winter, Chattanooga is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chattanooga in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Juneau averages at about 24°F (-4°C).

Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during winter. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Juneau. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Juneau in the Spring?

Both Juneau and Chattanooga during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Juneau for the natural beauty during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during spring. In April, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 62°F (17°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the spring, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Juneau. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)