A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Las Vegas? 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 outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Chattanooga and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Chattanooga. Las Vegas is bigger than Chattanooga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Chattanooga is more popular for its hiking. Las Vegas is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon 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 Chattanooga or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Chattanooga is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Chattanooga is not a theatre destination.

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

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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.


Is Chattanooga or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Chattanooga is not a live music destination.

In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Chattanooga is not a live music destination.

Is Chattanooga or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Chattanooga or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Chattanooga is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Chattanooga is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Las Vegas is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Las Vegas Better for Families?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Chattanooga is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Chattanooga is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Chattanooga or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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 Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Chattanooga is notable for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Chattanooga can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Chattanooga or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Chattanooga
Las Vegas

Chattanooga is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

Both Chattanooga and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Chattanooga. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.


  • How many days in Chattanooga or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chattanooga 2-3 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Chattanooga. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Las Vegas is a entertaining entertainment capital 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.


A weekend in Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Las Vegas is a glamourous big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Chattanooga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Las Vegas is a sexy entertainment capital 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.

A week in Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

Chattanooga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas 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 entertainment capital.


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, Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $92
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $184
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas


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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Las Vegas $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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Airport Transfer: $64
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas by electric vehicle: $87
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $202
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $143
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Van: $130
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas by Luxury SUV: $146
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $203
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Van: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $82
  • Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV: $146
  • From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
  • From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $80

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

Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
  • Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chattanooga $52
    Las Vegas $78

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
  • 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
  • Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in Chattanooga: $25
  • Ghost & Booze Tour of Chattanooga - 21+ Over: $25
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Scenic City Ghosts, Voodoo, Murder Mystery Tour: $25
  • Ghosts of Scenic City: Chattanooga Ghosts, Murder & Mystery Tour: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

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


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

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

  • Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $7.19
  • Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Henderson by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
  • Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
  • Vegas Highlights: Neon Lights & Desert - Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Las Vegas Neon & Secrets: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $45
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
  • Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Las Vegas, 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.