A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Chattanooga for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Chattanooga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Chattanooga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its hiking. Chattanooga is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chattanooga and Jacksonville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a great destination for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Chattanooga are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Chattanooga both nice destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chattanooga is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Chattanooga. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Chattanooga. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Chattanooga. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Jacksonville than Chattanooga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Jacksonville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Jacksonville than Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Jacksonville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Chattanooga if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Jacksonville. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Chattanooga, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this thriving city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Chattanooga is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

The youthful city of Jacksonville offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the thriving destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Chattanooga is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Chattanooga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Chattanooga, 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 Jacksonville or Chattanooga?

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 Jacksonville or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chattanooga. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Jacksonville