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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Woodstock?

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 Woodstock can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Woodstock?

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.

Woodstock

While this town does lend its name to the 1969 Woodstock Festival, the legendary event was actually held on a dairy farm almost 60 miles away in Bethel, NY. So if you are looking to see the field where it all happened and a museum dedicated to its history, you will need to take a day trip outside of town.

Woodstock, New York, however, does stay true to the spirit of the arts. Since 1903, the place lay home to Byrdcliffe Art Colony, the oldest of its kind in the nation, and even attracted artists of the Hudson River School during the late 1800s. Today, artists from all disciplines-visual, ceramic, music, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and poetry-take up residence at the colony and have works displayed in galleries open in the main part of town.

Tinker Street and Mill Hill Road are lined with a mix of restaurants and shops all teeming with the essence of hippie living, arts, and spirituality. From shops selling Woodstock paraphernalia, incense, and Himalayan products, to yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and local art galleries-the town of Woodstock is one dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Woodstock Festival and the arts alive.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Woodstock or Gatlinburg?

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

  • Gatlinburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Woodstock Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gatlinburg $253
    Woodstock $178

The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $253, while the average daily cost in Woodstock is $178. 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 Woodstock in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gatlinburg $80
    Woodstock $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gatlinburg $160
    Woodstock $162
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Woodstock

Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg or Woodstock? 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 Gatlinburg


Hotels in Woodstock


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gatlinburg $35
    Woodstock $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Woodstock?

Prices for flights to both Woodstock 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Gatlinburg $148
    Woodstock $59
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.
    Gatlinburg $24
    Woodstock $35
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
    Gatlinburg $15
    Woodstock $22

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

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


Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Woodstock?

Gatlinburg has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Woodstock. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Woodstock, 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 Gatlinburg or Woodstock?

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 Gatlinburg or Woodstock in the Summer?

Both Woodstock and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Woodstock in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Woodstock fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Woodstock, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Woodstock. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Woodstock receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Woodstock. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Woodstock receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C) 
    Woodstock 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Woodstock in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Woodstock. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Woodstock. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Woodstock averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Woodstock during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Woodstock receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Woodstock. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Woodstock receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C) 
    Woodstock 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Woodstock in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Woodstock. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Woodstock. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Woodstock. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Woodstock fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Woodstock. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Woodstock receives 167 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Woodstock. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Woodstock receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C) 
    Woodstock 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Woodstock in the Spring?

Both Woodstock and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Woodstock in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Woodstock fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Woodstock. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Woodstock during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Woodstock receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Woodstock. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Woodstock receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C) 
    Woodstock 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Woodstock and Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Woodstock
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 38°F (3°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)