Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Gatlinburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gatlinburg or Kamloops?
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 Kamloops can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Kamloops?
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.
Kamloops
In British Columbia, Canada, Kamloops is perhaps most famous for the large number of tournaments it hosts, everything from the Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, to the World Fly Fishing Championships. It also hosts Skate Canada, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and the World Junior Hockey Championships among others. The city is in the south central part of the province and it sits near the confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River near Kamloops Lake. The city has a population of about 85,000 and it's the largest community in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $190Kamloops $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $81. 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 Kamloops in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80Kamloops $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Kamloops
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg or Kamloops? 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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35Kamloops $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Kamloops?
Prices for flights to both Kamloops 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
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Food Meals for one dayGatlinburg $85Kamloops $24
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
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Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
Typical Food Prices in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Pastries$5.81
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Lunch for Two$25
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Coffee and Gelato$12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gatlinburg $24Kamloops $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Photos$22
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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: $65
- 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
- Appalachian Trail Adventure: $175
- Beyond The Lens Interactive Museum Admission Ticket: $27
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
- Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour: $41
- East Tennessee Off Road ATV Guided Experience: $71
- Extended Douglas Lake Region Tour by Helicopter: $63
Tours and Activities in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $14
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $6.33
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $6.31
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21
- Vancouver and Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGatlinburg $15Kamloops $6.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Kamloops, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Kamloops.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Kamloops?
Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Kamloops, 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 Gatlinburg or Kamloops?
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 Kamloops in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Kamloops. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.
In the summer, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGatlinburg 81°F (27°C)Kamloops 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kamloops in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGatlinburg 63°F (17°C)Kamloops 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kamloops in the Winter?
Both Kamloops and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Kamloops can be very cold. Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGatlinburg 40°F (5°C)Kamloops -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kamloops in the Spring?
Both Kamloops and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGatlinburg 62°F (17°C)Kamloops 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Kamloops and Gatlinburg
| Gatlinburg | Kamloops | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | -1°C (30°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
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.