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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Seattle? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Chattanooga and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Chattanooga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Chattanooga is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Chattanooga is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for its music scene. However, Chattanooga is not a live music destination.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Chattanooga is not a live music destination.

Is Chattanooga or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a popular place for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Chattanooga or Seattle Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Chattanooga and Seattle both have very good trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chattanooga. 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.

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Seattle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Seattle 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Chattanooga or Seattle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chattanooga or Seattle.

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.

Seattle offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Chattanooga or Seattle Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chattanooga and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Chattanooga or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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 Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is a great destination for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Chattanooga or Seattle a more walkable city?

Chattanooga and Seattle both are very good 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.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Seattle?

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

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

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

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

One day in Chattanooga or Seattle?

In Chattanooga, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Seattle is a bustling city where you can fill many days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Seattle?

In Chattanooga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chattanooga has to offer.

Seattle is a 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. 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 Seattle?

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The cultural city of Seattle offers food and shopping. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Seattle. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Seattle. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Seattle. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°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 Seattle. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. In January, Chattanooga is generally cooler than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattle. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Chattanooga during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Chattanooga is much warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the spring, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Chattanooga