A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Richmond for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chattanooga or Richmond?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Richmond? 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 bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chattanooga and Richmond: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Richmond?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chattanooga than Richmond. While Richmond is larger than Chattanooga, Chattanooga has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chattanooga is very popular for its hiking, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also well known for Rock City. Richmond is famous for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Chattanooga different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chattanooga
Richmond

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

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chattanooga
Richmond

Dining out at restaurants in both Chattanooga and Richmond can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chattanooga area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Chattanooga or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga
Richmond

It's hard to distinguish whether Chattanooga or Richmond has a better nightlife scene.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Richmond has a few options to choose from. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Chattanooga or Richmond Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga
Richmond

Chattanooga is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Richmond?

Chattanooga
Richmond

Shopping is a popular activity in both Richmond and Chattanooga.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga to go shopping. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is Chattanooga or Richmond Better for Families?

Chattanooga
Richmond

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chattanooga or Richmond.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. 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.

Richmond offers lots of family activities. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Chattanooga or Richmond Better for Couples?

Chattanooga
Richmond

With fun activities for couples, both Chattanooga and Richmond make for a nice place to visit.

Chattanooga is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.


Is Chattanooga or Richmond Better for Students?

Chattanooga
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Richmond is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga
Richmond

Chattanooga is notable for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Chattanooga can get you to most places 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Chattanooga or Richmond a more walkable city?

Chattanooga
Richmond

Chattanooga is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.


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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chattanooga or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chattanooga than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga than Richmond 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 Chattanooga.


  • How many days in Chattanooga or Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chattanooga 2-3 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Chattanooga or Richmond?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing city of Richmond. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Richmond?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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.

The growing city of Richmond offers shopping and museums. 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 Richmond?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Richmond. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $92
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $184
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Richmond $72
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 Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chattanooga $52
    Richmond $13

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
  • 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
  • Scenic City Ghosts, Voodoo, Murder Mystery Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Richmond

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $26
  • Phantoms of Franklin Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Court End Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Monroe Park Campus Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown & Capitol Square Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Church Hill Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Capitol Hill Ghost Walking Tour with A Guide: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    Richmond -

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When comparing the travel costs between Chattanooga and Richmond, 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 Richmond Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Richmond?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Richmond. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences.

Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during summer. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Richmond. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In the autumn, Chattanooga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga usually gets less rain in October than Richmond. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can be very cold during winter. Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during winter. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Richmond. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Chattanooga during the spring are popular places to visit.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the spring, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Richmond. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)