A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Chattanooga for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

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 Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. 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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chattanooga is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chattanooga area. 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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Myrtle Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

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

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga to go shopping. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Chattanooga is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Both Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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 Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga is a great destination for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Chattanooga. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga than Myrtle Beach 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 Chattanooga.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the busy beach city of Myrtle Beach. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 bustling 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 Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the jam-packed destination of Myrtle Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the jam-packed beach city of Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy 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 Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga, we can see that Chattanooga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga?

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 Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Myrtle Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Chattanooga. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. In January, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Myrtle Beach