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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Chattanooga can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Chattanooga

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

Tallahassee and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chattanooga. Although Tallahassee and Chattanooga are roughly the same size, Chattanooga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chattanooga is very popular for its food and hiking, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums. Chattanooga is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also well known for Rock City. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

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

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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 Tallahassee or Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chattanooga is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

The vibe at night is nice in both Tallahassee and Chattanooga.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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 Tallahassee or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is great for hiking. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Chattanooga both offer plenty of nice spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Chattanooga is a great destination for 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.

Is Tallahassee or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

Both Tallahassee and Chattanooga are nice to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Chattanooga is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tallahassee or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Chattanooga is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.


Is Tallahassee or Chattanooga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee or Chattanooga Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

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

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

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

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.


Is Tallahassee or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chattanooga than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

Families should spend more time in Chattanooga than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Chattanooga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Chattanooga 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the lively city of Tallahassee. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Tallahassee. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the thriving destination of Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


Five days in Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

The youthful city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. 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.

The outdoorsy city of Chattanooga offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $182. 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 Tallahassee and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Chattanooga? 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 Tallahassee


Hotels in Chattanooga


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Chattanooga $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Chattanooga $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Chattanooga $52

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $194
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $248
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $382
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $491

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • 2-Hour Paddleboard Adventure to Nickajack Bat Cave: $75
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Chattanooga $24


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the summer, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Tallahassee during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chattanooga can be very cold. In January, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallahassee usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Chattanooga in the Spring?

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

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)