A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mandeville vs. Gatlinburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mandeville or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Mandeville or Gatlinburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Mandeville or Gatlinburg?

Mandeville

Mandeville is a small, quiet town in the mountains of Jamaica with a population of about 50,000. The town is situated on a plateau west of Kingston. It is the largest town in the parish of Manchester and the fifth largest urban center in the country.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg or Mandeville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mandeville is $81, 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 Mandeville and Gatlinburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mandeville $38
    Gatlinburg $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mandeville $76
    Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Mandeville and Gatlinburg

Looking for a hotel in Mandeville 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.

Hotels in Mandeville


Hotels in Gatlinburg


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mandeville $31
    Gatlinburg $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Mandeville or Gatlinburg?

Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg and Mandeville 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mandeville $24
    Gatlinburg $85

Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mandeville $8.31
    Gatlinburg $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg

For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Photos
    $22
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mandeville $6.51
    Gatlinburg $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 Mandeville and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Mandeville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mandeville 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 Mandeville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandeville 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 Mandeville.

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


Which is Bigger, Mandeville or Gatlinburg?

Mandeville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Mandeville 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 Mandeville or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mandeville experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Mandeville or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mandeville and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mandeville year-round. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

In July, Mandeville is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 29°C (83°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Mandeville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mandeville usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Mandeville gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Mandeville gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mandeville 29°C (83°F) 
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mandeville as well as Gatlinburg. Mandeville attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Mandeville is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mandeville this time of the year. In the autumn, Mandeville often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Mandeville gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Mandeville receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mandeville usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Mandeville gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mandeville 28°C (82°F) 
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Mandeville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mandeville throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mandeville is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mandeville in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mandeville. Mandeville usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Mandeville gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. In January, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Mandeville gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mandeville 26°C (79°F) 
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Mandeville during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mandeville because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Mandeville is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 26°C (80°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mandeville. In the spring, Mandeville often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Mandeville gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Mandeville usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Mandeville gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mandeville 26°C (80°F) 
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Mandeville

Mandeville Gatlinburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 101 mm (4 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)