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

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Should you visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

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 Gatlinburg and Charlottesville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

Gatlinburg

Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.

Charlottesville

Located in central Virginia, Charlottesville is a little university town steeped in history and culture. Home to Thomas Jefferson, much of the town's architecture is heavily influenced by his hand, while the people scene is full of activities, dining, and entertainment. Many visitors are drawn to the area for the University of Virginia, the Historic Downtown Mall, plus many quaint vineyards and farms in the surrounding countryside.

Which place is cheaper, Charlottesville or Gatlinburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, while the average daily cost in Charlottesville is $154. 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 Gatlinburg and Charlottesville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gatlinburg $80
    Charlottesville $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gatlinburg $160
    Charlottesville $160
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Charlottesville

Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg or Charlottesville? 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 Gatlinburg


Hotels in Charlottesville


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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Charlottesville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gatlinburg $35
    Charlottesville $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

Prices for flights to both Charlottesville and Gatlinburg 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
    Gatlinburg $85
    Charlottesville $42
Typical Food prices in Gatlinburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

For Charlottesville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The UVA Corner Food Tour: Private Walking Food Tour in Charlottesville: $99
  • The Downtown Mall Food Tour: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gatlinburg $24
    Charlottesville $18
Typical Entertainment prices in Gatlinburg

For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Photos
    $22
  • Horseback Riding (for 2)
    $55

Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.

  • 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience: $64
  • 6-Line Zip at Night Tour: $72
  • 7-Line Zipline Experience in Sevierville: $119
  • Admission Ticket: Brian Hoffman's Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton: $35
  • Admission Ticket: Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge: $35
  • Beyond The Lens Interactive Museum Admission Ticket: $27
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
  • Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour: $41
  • East Tennessee Off Road ATV Guided Experience: $55
  • Extended Douglas Lake Region Tour by Helicopter: $63

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlottesville.

  • Boar's Head Resort Off Road Jeep Tour: $400
  • Charlottesville Dark History Ghost Tour : $30
  • Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
  • Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gatlinburg $15
    Charlottesville $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:

  • Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $62

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $85
  • Virginia Private Custom Wine Tour from Charlottesville: $499
  • Vintage VW Private Wine Tour in Virginia's Countryside: $1,125

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Charlottesville, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Charlottesville.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

Charlottesville is bigger, and its population is about 8.3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the population of Gatlinburg vs. Charlottesville, 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 Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

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 Gatlinburg or Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C) 
    Charlottesville 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C) 
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Charlottesville. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Charlottesville in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Charlottesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C) 
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Charlottesville. Additionally, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C) 
    Charlottesville 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Charlottesville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 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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Gatlinburg vs. Charlottesville Travel Comparison

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