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

Should you visit Veracruz or Gatlinburg?

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 Veracruz and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Gatlinburg?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, 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 Veracruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, 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 Veracruz and Gatlinburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $54
    Gatlinburg $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $108
    Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Gatlinburg

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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 Veracruz


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $28
    Gatlinburg $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
  • Airport Transfer: $25
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Gatlinburg?

Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $50
    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.
    Veracruz $15
    Gatlinburg $24

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

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

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $102
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
  • Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $123
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • Coffee Route, an adventure of aroma and flavor to Veracruz: $150
  • From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
  • From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
  • From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100

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
    Veracruz $17
    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 Veracruz and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Veracruz.

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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Gatlinburg?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Gatlinburg?

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 Veracruz or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Veracruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Veracruz is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Gatlinburg. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Veracruz is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Veracruz in January average around 21°C (71°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Gatlinburg.

In April, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (78°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°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 Veracruz this time of the year. In the spring, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Veracruz

Veracruz Gatlinburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)