A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Chattanooga for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga are about the same size, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Chattanooga is more popular for its museums and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chattanooga and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Chattanooga has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Chattanooga and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fort Lauderdale is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Chattanooga can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga both are superb when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Chattanooga is a very walkable coastal city. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Chattanooga. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Chattanooga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga than Fort Lauderdale if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chattanooga.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The thriving destination of Chattanooga offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the bustling destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Chattanooga offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 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. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Chattanooga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Chattanooga. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 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, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Chattanooga. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 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 Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Fort Lauderdale