A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Chattanooga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tampa or Chattanooga?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Where Should I go: Tampa or Chattanooga?

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

Chattanooga

Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.

Which city is cheaper, Chattanooga or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $136, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $145. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Chattanooga $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Chattanooga $146
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Chattanooga $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Tampa: $61
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Tampa to Tampa International Airport (TPA): $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $32
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Tampa Airport (TPA): $28
  • Private Tampa Area to Orlando Area Transfer up to 11 One Price Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $113
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island: $120
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Bradenton: $110
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Land O' Lakes Florida: $60
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120

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 Tampa or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Tampa 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
    Tampa $34
    Chattanooga $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

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

  • Small-Group Electric Bike Food Tour in Chattanooga: $50
  • 2-Hour Small Group Southern Cuisine Food Tour in Chattanooga: $65
  • 2-Hour Chattanooga Walking Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Chattanooga $42

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Hour Haunted History Walking Tour: $23
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • Tampa History Cruise: $31
  • VIP Ghost Hunters Tour Semi Private: $35
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Tampa Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $70
  • ZooQuarium 1-Day Ticket: $79

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • Chattanooga "Awakening" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $29
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "Speakeasy" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "The Hunted" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $32
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Electric Bike City Tour: $80
  • Chattanooga Guided Party Bike Tour: $26
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • Chattanooga Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayak Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Chattanooga $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chattanooga:

  • Chattanooga Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Tastings: $41
  • Half-Day Private Wine Tour in Chattanooga: $159

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa 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.


When is the best time to visit Tampa 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 Tampa or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Tampa during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The temperature in Tampa is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Chattanooga stays around 81°F (27°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the summer, Tampa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Tampa gets 265 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 Tampa. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tampa or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Chattanooga. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In the autumn, Tampa is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October are around 75°F (24°C), and Chattanooga is about 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine.

Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Chattanooga stays around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Tampa usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tampa is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The temperature in Tampa is usually 71°F (22°C) in April, and Chattanooga stays around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Tampa gets 299 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, Tampa usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Tampa

Tampa Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)


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Tampa vs. Chattanooga Travel Comparison

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