Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Havana or Gatlinburg?
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 Havana and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Gatlinburg?
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Gatlinburg $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $190. 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 Havana and Gatlinburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Gatlinburg $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Havana and Gatlinburg
Looking for a hotel in Havana or Gatlinburg? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Gatlinburg $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Gatlinburg?
Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg and Havana 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 dayHavana $10Gatlinburg $85
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
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.Havana $11Gatlinburg $24
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Gatlinburg $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
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 Havana and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Gatlinburg is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Gatlinburg?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Gatlinburg, 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 Havana or Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Havana or Gatlinburg in the Summer?
Both Gatlinburg and Havana during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.
In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Havana usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Havana or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Havana is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Havana or Gatlinburg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Havana as well as Gatlinburg. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. Havana is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Havana usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Havana or Gatlinburg in the Spring?
Both Gatlinburg and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
In the spring, Havana is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).
In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Havana
| Havana | Gatlinburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 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.