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

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Should you visit Washington 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 Washington and Chattanooga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Chattanooga?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

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 Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, 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 Washington and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Chattanooga $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Chattanooga $146
Compare Hotels in Washington and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


Hotels in Chattanooga


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Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Washington Hotel Prices and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Chattanooga $28
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • DCA Private 1-Way Transfer from D.C. City Center Hotels: $97
  • DCA to D.C. City Center Hotels: 1-Way Private Transfer: $102
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Business Car: $118
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $151
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $159
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $78

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 Washington or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Chattanooga $47
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

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.
    Washington $19
    Chattanooga $42

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour: $5.00
  • The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial: $18
  • Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC: $19
  • Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $21
  • DC Ghost Tour: $24
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

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
    Washington $15
    Chattanooga $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

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 Washington and Chattanooga, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington or Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as Chattanooga. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Chattanooga stays 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 Washington this time of the year. In the summer, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Washington usually gets less rain in July than Chattanooga. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Washington or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Washington is cooler than Chattanooga in the autumn. The temperature in Washington is usually 60°F (15°C) in October, and Chattanooga stays around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Washington or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January are around 35°F (1°C), and Chattanooga is about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Washington gets 139 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. Washington usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Washington or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally cooler than Chattanooga. Temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Chattanooga stays around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Washington

Washington Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)


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Washington vs. Chattanooga Travel Comparison

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