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

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Should you visit Columbus or Chattanooga?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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: Columbus or Chattanooga?

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. You'll likely need a car to navigate the city, although there is a bus system, COTA, which can take you to some of Columbus' highlights.

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 city is cheaper, Chattanooga or Columbus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $126, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $145. 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 Columbus and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $58
    Chattanooga $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $116
    Chattanooga $146
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Columbus 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 Columbus


Hotels in Chattanooga


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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: Columbus Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $40
    Chattanooga $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $87

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 Columbus or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Columbus 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
    Columbus $39
    Chattanooga $47

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.
    Columbus $37
    Chattanooga $42

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus: $11
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $21
  • Central Park Bike Tour: $53
  • New York City: 3-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $60

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $16
    Chattanooga $19

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 Columbus and Chattanooga, 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 Columbus or Chattanooga?

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 Columbus or Chattanooga in the Summer?

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

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Chattanooga stays around 81°F (27°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Chattanooga. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

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

Columbus is cooler than Chattanooga in the autumn. The temperature in Columbus is usually 57°F (14°C) in October, and Chattanooga stays around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Chattanooga in the Winter?

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

Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January are around 30°F (-1°C), and Chattanooga is about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Chattanooga. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Chattanooga in the Spring?

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

In April, Columbus is generally cooler than Chattanooga. Temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Chattanooga stays around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. In April, Columbus usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Columbus

Columbus Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)


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Columbus vs. Chattanooga Travel Comparison

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