A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Roanoke for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Chattanooga or Roanoke?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Roanoke? 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.

Where Should I go: Chattanooga or Roanoke?

Chattanooga

Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a charming city located in the western region of the U.S. state of Virginia. Sometimes called the "Star City of the South" or the "Magic City," Roanoke lies in the scenic Roanoke Valley with Mill Mountain as a local icon, topped with a lighted 100-foot star. The city itself is home to many museums and opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Which city is cheaper, Roanoke or Chattanooga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $145, while the average daily cost in Roanoke is $131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chattanooga and Roanoke in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $73
    Roanoke $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $146
    Roanoke $154
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Roanoke

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Roanoke? 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 Roanoke


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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 Roanoke Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $28
    Roanoke $18
Typical Local Transportation prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Roanoke?

Prices for flights to both Roanoke 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 $47
    Roanoke $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

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

  • Small-Group Electric Bike Food Tour in Chattanooga: $50
  • 2-Hour Small Group Southern Cuisine Food Tour in Chattanooga: $65
  • 2-Hour Chattanooga Walking Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chattanooga $42
    Roanoke $28

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • Chattanooga "Awakening" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $29
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Speakeasy" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "The Hunted" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Electric Bike City Tour: $80
  • Chattanooga Guided Party Bike Tour: $26
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • Chattanooga Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayak Tour: $75

Tours and Activities in Roanoke

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.

  • Roanoke Downtown Food and Cultural Tour: $63
  • Roanoke Sunday Brunch Food & Cultural Tour: $63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $19
    Roanoke $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga

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

  • Chattanooga Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Tastings: $41
  • Half-Day Private Wine Tour in Chattanooga: $159

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Chattanooga and Roanoke, 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.


When is the best time to visit Chattanooga or Roanoke?

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.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit.

Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The temperature in Chattanooga is usually 81°F (27°C) in July, and Roanoke stays around 79°F (26°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Roanoke 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Roanoke.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October are around 63°F (17°C), and Roanoke is about 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Roanoke 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Roanoke.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Roanoke stays around 38°F (3°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Roanoke. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Roanoke 38°F (3°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The temperature in Chattanooga is usually 62°F (17°C) in April, and Roanoke stays around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Roanoke 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Roanoke
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 38°F (3°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 42°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Chattanooga vs. Roanoke Travel Comparison

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