Which place is cheaper, Shenandoah National Park or Chattanooga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Shenandoah National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park? 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 Shenandoah National Park?
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.
Shenandoah National Park
One of the most visited destinations in the eastern part of the United States, Shenandoah National Park attracts over a million people each year for its beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant colors in the autumn months. Established in 1935, it is the largest fully protected area in the mid-Appalachian region.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChattanooga $182Shenandoah National Park $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $182, while the average daily cost in Shenandoah National Park is $125. 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 Shenandoah National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChattanooga $92Shenandoah National Park $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChattanooga $184Shenandoah National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Shenandoah National Park
Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chattanooga $35Shenandoah National Park $70
Typical Local Transportation prices in Chattanooga
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:
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Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)$16
Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park?
Prices for flights to both Shenandoah National Park 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
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Food Meals for one dayChattanooga $59Shenandoah National Park $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.
- ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $94
- Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
- Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chattanooga $52Shenandoah National Park $34
Tours and Activities in Chattanooga
Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
- 2-Hour Paddleboard Adventure to Nickajack Bat Cave: $75
- ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $25
- Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
- Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
- Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
- Chattanooga's North Shore & Coolidge Park Guided Segway Tour: $75
- A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
- Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
- City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44
- City Trolley Tour with Coker Museum visit: $44
- Derailed Trolley Tour and Train Ride: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChattanooga $24Shenandoah National Park $7.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chattanooga:
- Craft Brewery Walking and Beer Tasting Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Chattanooga is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah National Park 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 Chattanooga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chattanooga than you might in Shenandoah National Park.
When is the best time to visit Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park?
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 Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?
Both Shenandoah National Park and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit.
Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChattanooga 81°F (27°C)Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Shenandoah National Park.
In the autumn, Chattanooga is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).
In October, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChattanooga 63°F (17°C)Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Shenandoah National Park.
It's quite cold in Shenandoah National Park in the winter. The weather in Chattanooga can be very cold. In January, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).
Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Shenandoah National Park. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChattanooga 40°F (5°C)Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?
Both Shenandoah National Park and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Chattanooga is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChattanooga 62°F (17°C)Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Chattanooga
| Chattanooga | Shenandoah National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Mar | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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