Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg or Valdosta?
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 Valdosta or Gatlinburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdosta 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: Valdosta or Gatlinburg?
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Valdosta Prices
USA PricesGatlinburg Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdosta $169Gatlinburg $253
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $169, 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 Valdosta and Gatlinburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdosta $70Gatlinburg $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdosta $140Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Gatlinburg
Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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.
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: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdosta $34Gatlinburg $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdosta or Gatlinburg?
Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg and Valdosta 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 dayValdosta $77Gatlinburg $148
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.Valdosta $19Gatlinburg $24
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 dayValdosta $27Gatlinburg $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 Valdosta and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdosta Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Gatlinburg?
Valdosta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Gatlinburg?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Valdosta or Gatlinburg in the Summer?
Both Gatlinburg and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.
In July, Valdosta is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 82°F (28°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In July, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyValdosta 82°F (28°C)Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?
Both Gatlinburg and Valdosta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Valdosta is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Valdosta usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberValdosta 69°F (20°C)Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Gatlinburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Gatlinburg. 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 the winter, Valdosta is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valdosta in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).
Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valdosta usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryValdosta 51°F (11°C)Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Gatlinburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Gatlinburg.
In April, Valdosta is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 67°F (19°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdosta usually gets more rain in April than Gatlinburg. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilValdosta 67°F (19°C)Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Valdosta
| Valdosta | Gatlinburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
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.