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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Chattanooga?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Chattanooga? 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: Cincinnati or Chattanooga?

Cincinnati

Located on the north banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio having grown from its industrial heritage. It is situated in the southwest part of the state, separated from the Kentucky border by the river. The city is best known for its striking skyline and unique chili.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $182. 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 Cincinnati and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Chattanooga? 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 Cincinnati


Hotels in Chattanooga


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Chattanooga $35

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 Cincinnati or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Chattanooga $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $56
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $75
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $79

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Chattanooga $52

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Cincinnati by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $21
  • Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Ohio River: Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $26
  • Historic Sightseeing Cruise: $27
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati Sights & Stories: $28
  • Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour: $29
  • Haunted Tour in Mount Healthy from Cincinnati: $29

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
  • Skip the Line: Alpaca Farm Tour Ticket in Adairsville Georgia: $21
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $23
  • Original Local Award-Winning Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour: $25
  • Ghost & Booze Tour of Chattanooga - 21+ Over: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in Chattanooga: $25
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $25
  • Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $26
  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Chattanooga $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Cincinnati Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Chattanooga, we can see that Cincinnati 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.

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Chattanooga?

Cincinnati is bigger, and its population is about 97% larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the population of Cincinnati vs. Chattanooga, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cincinnati or Chattanooga?

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 Cincinnati or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during summer. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. In July, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Cincinnati during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Cincinnati is generally cooler than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Chattanooga. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in October than Chattanooga. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Chattanooga.

Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cincinnati. Cincinnati is much colder than Chattanooga in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Chattanooga.

In the spring, Cincinnati is cooler than Chattanooga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the spring, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Chattanooga. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)


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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Cincinnati vs. Chattanooga Travel Comparison

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