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

Should you visit Orlando or Chattanooga?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Chattanooga? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Orlando and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Chattanooga?

You'll generally find more things to do in Orlando than Chattanooga. Orlando is bigger than Chattanooga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Chattanooga is more popular for its museums and hiking. Orlando is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Orlando different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chattanooga is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Chattanooga is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Chattanooga is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando is an experience not to be missed. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Chattanooga.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Chattanooga. 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 Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is great for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Chattanooga?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Chattanooga does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Chattanooga does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. 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 Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Chattanooga make for a notable place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Chattanooga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Chattanooga Better for Students?

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

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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 generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Chattanooga?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga than Orlando 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 Orlando or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the family-friendly city of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Chattanooga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chattanooga has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Chattanooga?

The family-friendly city of Orlando offers shopping and theater. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Chattanooga?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Chattanooga, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive? and Is Chattanooga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Chattanooga?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Chattanooga. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Orlando is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Orlando during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Chattanooga.

In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Orlando