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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Tucson?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Tucson? 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 Tucson?

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.

Tucson

Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in the state and sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet. It's temperature is slightly milder than Phoenix and it is a pleasant place to visit. Most people arrive in the city by car, but Amtrak does travel through Tucson, as does Greyhound. The area is also served by the Tucson International Airport. Once in the city, you'll likely want to have access to a car, as the city is not very pedestrian friendly and public transportation is very much lacking. Many popular and beautiful sights are also outside of town in the surrounding desert, so having access to a vehicle is paramount if you hope to visit any of the places.

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, Tucson or Chattanooga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Chattanooga Prices
    USA Prices
    Tucson Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chattanooga $225
    Tucson $157

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $225, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $157. 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 Tucson in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $92
    Tucson $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $184
    Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Tucson

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Tucson? 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 Tucson


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 Tucson Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Tucson $27
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 Chattanooga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chattanooga:

  • Private One Way Transfer from/to Chattanooga Airport and Hotels: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Tucson?

Prices for flights to both Tucson 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 $103
    Tucson $36

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
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $129
  • Southside Food Tour with Lunch: $129
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $139
  • Downtown Food Tour with 3-4 Tastings: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chattanooga $52
    Tucson $16

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • 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 "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $20
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    Tucson $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Tucson, we can see that Chattanooga is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Tucson?

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