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

Should you visit Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg? 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: Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg?

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg or Basse-Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Basse-Terre Prices
    Guadeloupe Prices
    Gatlinburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Basse-Terre $217
    Gatlinburg $253

The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $217, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $253. 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 Basse-Terre and Gatlinburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basse-Terre $105
    Gatlinburg $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basse-Terre $210
    Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Gatlinburg

Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre


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: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basse-Terre $9.39
    Gatlinburg $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg?

Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg and Basse-Terre 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
    Basse-Terre $93
    Gatlinburg $148

Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg

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


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg

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

  • Taste the Smokies Appalachian Inspired Cooking Classes: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basse-Terre $55
    Gatlinburg $24

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.

  • Great Smoky Mountains NP Driving Tour smartphone autoplay APP/GPS: $9.75
  • Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $15
  • Gatlinburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $15
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour: $25
  • Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basse-Terre $15
    Gatlinburg $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:

  • Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basse-Terre and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Basse-Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Gatlinburg is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Basse-Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre.

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


Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg?

Basse-Terre has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Basse-Terre often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Basse-Terre is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basse-Terre in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Basse-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Basse-Terre is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 24°C (76°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the winter, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basse-Terre usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round.

Basse-Terre is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre Gatlinburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)