A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chattanooga vs. Moncton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chattanooga or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Moncton? 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.

Chattanooga

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

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Chattanooga and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Moncton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chattanooga than Moncton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chattanooga is more touristy than Moncton and is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also well known for Rock City. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Chattanooga different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chattanooga or Moncton.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. 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.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Is the Food Better in Chattanooga or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Chattanooga and Moncton can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chattanooga area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Moncton. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Chattanooga or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Chattanooga or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is great for hiking. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Moncton?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Moncton and Chattanooga.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga to go 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moncton. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Chattanooga or Moncton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chattanooga or Moncton.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. 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.

Moncton offers lots of family activities. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Chattanooga or Moncton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chattanooga and Moncton make for a nice place to visit.

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.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Chattanooga. 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 Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Chattanooga or Moncton a more walkable city?

Chattanooga is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chattanooga or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chattanooga than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Chattanooga than Moncton. 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 Moncton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chattanooga that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga than Moncton 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 Chattanooga.

One day in Chattanooga or Moncton?

In Chattanooga, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint city of Moncton. 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.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Moncton?

In Chattanooga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chattanooga has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Moncton. 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 Chattanooga or Moncton?

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The cultural city of Moncton offers museums and food. 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 Chattanooga or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Moncton, we can see that Chattanooga is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton 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 Moncton.

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

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Moncton?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Moncton, 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 Chattanooga or Moncton?

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 Chattanooga or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Moncton. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Moncton. The autumn months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Moncton. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Moncton. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. It's quite cold in Chattanooga in the winter. In January, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Moncton. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. Chattanooga is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Moncton. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Chattanooga