A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Nashville for Music, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Nashville?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Nashville. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Asheville and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Asheville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Asheville attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Asheville different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Nashville?

Nashville is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Nashville can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Nashville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Asheville and Nashville.

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Many people head to Nashville for the nightlife scene. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Nashville The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Resorts?

There are nice resorts to choose from in both Asheville and Nashville.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Nashville?

Asheville is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Asheville is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Nashville offers some nice Christmas activities. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nashville does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Nashville does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Families?

Asheville is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very family-friendly destination. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Couples?

Asheville is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Asheville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Students?

Asheville is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Asheville or Nashville a more walkable city?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Nashville is not a walkable mountain town. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Nashville. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Nashville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Nashville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Nashville 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Nashville?

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Nashville. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the open-minded destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Nashville. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic city of Nashville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Nashville?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Nashville, we can see that Nashville is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Nashville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nashville than you might in Asheville.

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Nashville, 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 Asheville or Nashville?

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 Asheville or Nashville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Nashville. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Nashville. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the summer, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

Asheville is around the same temperature as Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Nashville. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Asheville during the winter are popular places to visit. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Nashville. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Nashville. Many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Nashville. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asheville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nashville. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Asheville