Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga or Durham?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Chattanooga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Durham or Chattanooga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Durham and Chattanooga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Durham or Chattanooga?
Durham
Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.
Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.
Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDurham $162Chattanooga $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $162, 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 Durham and Chattanooga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDurham $92Chattanooga $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDurham $184Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Durham and Chattanooga
Looking for a hotel in Durham 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.
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: Durham Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Durham $33Chattanooga $35
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 Durham or Chattanooga?
Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Durham 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 dayDurham $44Chattanooga $59
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.Durham $26Chattanooga $52
Tours and Activities in Durham
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Durham are as follows:
- Durham NC: A downtown art tour on foot: $20
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
- A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
- Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in Chattanooga: $25
- ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $25
- 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
- Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDurham $34Chattanooga $24
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 comparing the travel costs between Durham 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.
Which is Bigger, Durham or Chattanooga?
Durham is bigger, and its population is about 32% larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the population of Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham or Chattanooga in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Chattanooga.
Durham is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDurham 79°F (26°C)Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Durham or Chattanooga in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as Chattanooga.
In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°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 Durham this time of the year. In the autumn, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.
Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Chattanooga. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDurham 61°F (16°C)Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Durham or Chattanooga in the Winter?
Both Chattanooga and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. It's quite cold in Durham in the winter. In January, Durham is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).
Durham usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. In January, Durham usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDurham 40°F (5°C)Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Durham or Chattanooga in the Spring?
Both Chattanooga and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit.
Durham is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the spring, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.
Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Durham usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDurham 60°F (16°C)Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Durham
| Durham | Chattanooga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Jun | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 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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