Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Gatlinburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Gatlinburg or Tucson?
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 Gatlinburg and Tucson can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Tucson?
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.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Gatlinburg Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $253Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $253, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Gatlinburg and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg or Tucson? 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.
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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Gatlinburg 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
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Food Meals for one dayGatlinburg $148Tucson $63
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gatlinburg $24Tucson $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Photos$22
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Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- 2 hour Extended Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg: $40
- 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: $38
- Admission Ticket: Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge: $38
- Best of the Smokies Private Half-Day Tour with Picnic Lunch: $225
- Cades Cove Jeep Tour: $242
- Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Digital Ocean Adventure in Sevierville: $26
- Dolly's Backroads, Bush Beans & Dandridge, Foliage Photo Tour: $105
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGatlinburg $15Tucson $16
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 Gatlinburg and Tucson, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.