Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Gatlinburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls?
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 Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls?
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.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $190Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Business Car: $293
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $262
- Private Departure Transfer -Niagara Falls to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $260
- ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
- Private Half Day Niagara Wine Tour Visit with Transfer Included: $199
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto downtown: $197
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $179
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $179
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $161
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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 $85Niagara Falls $28
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Walking Food Tour in St. Catharines: $108
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $179
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $193
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gatlinburg $24Niagara Falls $20
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.
- Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Roaring Fork Trail Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $8.49
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours: $25
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
- Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
- Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour: $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
- Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
- Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $299
- 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
- 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $156
- 4-Hour Night Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Boat Cruise: $215
- 45 Minutes Whirlpool Tour in Niagara Falls: $32
- 6 Hour Wine, Cheese, Chocolate Tasting Tour with Lunch : $248
- 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
- Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour: $123
- All American Tour : $99
- All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGatlinburg $15Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $70
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Between The Lines Classic Wine Tasting: $15
- Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
- Wine Tasting and Nigerian Dwarf Goats Experience: $28
- Goat Yoga and Wine Tasting: $50
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $104
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $123
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Niagara Falls, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?
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 Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.
In the summer, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGatlinburg 81°F (27°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Niagara Falls. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGatlinburg 63°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Niagara Falls. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Niagara Falls. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGatlinburg 40°F (5°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGatlinburg 62°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Gatlinburg
| Gatlinburg | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 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.