Which place is cheaper, North Conway or Gatlinburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gatlinburg or North Conway?
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 North Conway can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or North Conway?
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.
North Conway
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.
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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $190North Conway $224
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, while the average daily cost in North Conway is $224. 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 North Conway in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80North Conway $125
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160North Conway $250
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and North Conway
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg or North Conway? 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 North Conway Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35North Conway $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or North Conway?
Prices for flights to both North Conway 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 $85North Conway $64
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gatlinburg $24North Conway $38
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 North Conway
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.
- 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Littleton, NH: $39
- Kancamagus Highway: Audio Driving Tour: $12
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide: $17
- Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGatlinburg $15North Conway $33
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 North Conway, we can see that North Conway is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 North Conway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in North Conway than you might in Gatlinburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is North Conway Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or North Conway?
Gatlinburg has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and North Conway, 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 North Conway?
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 North Conway in the Summer?
Both North Conway and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.
In the summer, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than North Conway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and North Conway averages at about 69°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in North Conway. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as North Conway during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while North Conway receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than North Conway. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGatlinburg 81°F (27°C)North Conway 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or North Conway in the Autumn?
Both North Conway and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than North Conway. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and North Conway fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than North Conway. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while North Conway receives 196 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than North Conway. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGatlinburg 63°F (17°C)North Conway 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or North Conway in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and North Conway. 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 North Conway. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. Gatlinburg is much warmer than North Conway in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and North Conway fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than North Conway during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while North Conway receives 163 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 North Conway. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGatlinburg 40°F (5°C)North Conway 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or North Conway in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as North Conway.
In the spring, Gatlinburg is much warmer than North Conway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and North Conway averages at about 43°F (6°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in North Conway. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than North Conway. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while North Conway receives 212 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than North Conway. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGatlinburg 62°F (17°C)North Conway 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for North Conway and Gatlinburg
| Gatlinburg | North Conway | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 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.