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

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

Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Food?

Asheville
Nashville

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. 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?

Asheville
Nashville

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. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Music?

Asheville
Nashville

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Asheville or Nashville.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Asheville
Nashville

There are 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.

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 Shopping?

Asheville
Nashville

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nashville and Asheville.

Asheville offers some nice shopping areas. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art.

Nashville has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores.


Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Asheville
Nashville

The Christmas season is a nice time to visit both Asheville and Nashville.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. 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 worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Is Asheville or Nashville Better for Families?

Asheville
Nashville

Both Asheville and Nashville are family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination.

Nashville offers lots of family activities. 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
Nashville

Asheville and Nashville both fun destinations for a couple.

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.

Nashville is a good mountain town for couples to visit. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination.

Is Asheville or Nashville a more walkable city?

Asheville
Nashville

Asheville is considered more walkable than Nashville.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. 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 very walkable mountain town.


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. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Asheville is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Nashville is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Asheville or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Asheville 2-3 
    Nashville 2-3

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 eclectic 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 country music lovers 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 eclectic 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.

Which city is cheaper, Nashville or Asheville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $133, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $172. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Asheville and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Asheville and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Asheville or Nashville? 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 Asheville


Hotels in Nashville


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: Asheville Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $284
  • Nashville Car Service - One Way Private Transfer To/From Airport: $117
  • Nashville International Airport One Way Transfer: $53
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $40
  • Private Nashville Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $112
  • Private Nashville Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $112
  • Private transfer: Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville: $622
  • Private transfer: Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $622
  • Transfer from Nashville International Airport to Nashville: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Asheville 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
    Asheville $33
    Nashville $41
Typical Food prices in Asheville

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Asheville:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Cooking Class of Southern Soul Food in Nashville: $46
  • Nashville Pub Crawl: Nashville's #1 All-Inclusive Cocktail & Food Tour: $70
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville/Franklin: $77
  • Walking Food Tour: Heaven Of Foods: $172
  • Private Half-Day History and Food Tour of Nashville: $441
  • Private Hands-on Cooking Party for up to 10 guests: $714

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asheville $16
    Nashville $27
Typical Entertainment prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Love Stories of Asheville" Guided Walking Tour: $498
  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Asheville: $68
  • 4-Mile Guided Paddleboard Tour on The French Broad River in Asheville: $82
  • 7 Mile Guided Paddleboard Tour On The French Broad River in Asheville: $97
  • Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Asheville Literary Tour: $30
  • Asheville Night-Time Guided Walking Ghost Tour (1 or 1.5-Hour Options Available): $21
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour: $21
  • Asheville Private Guided Bird Watching Tour: $41
  • Asheville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Asheville Scavenger Hunt: Downtown Asheville Adventure: $12
  • Asheville tip-based sightseeing Walking Tour with Donut & Spirits/Beer Tastings: $5.00

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Belmont Mansion Admission Ticket in Nashville: $16
  • Nashville Zoo General Admission Ticket: $19
  • The Ghosts of Nashville Walking Tour: $20
  • Nashville's Hatch Show Print Guided Studio Tour with Souvenir Poster: $20
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Madame Tussauds Nashville Admission Ticket: $21
  • Haunted Nashville All-Ages Ghost Walking Tour: $21
  • Night-Time Ghost & History Walking Tour of Downtown Nashville: $23
  • Fontanel Mansion Tour: $25
  • Belle Meade "Journey to Jubilee" Guided History Tour: $25
  • Ryman Auditorium "Mother Church of Country Music" Self-Guided Tour: $27
  • The Murder in Music City Walking Ghost Tour: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $38
  • Private Adventure Brews Cruise Brewery Tours in Asheville (Up To 5 Breweries): $1,013

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville Bar Hunt: Nonstop Nashville Bar Crawl: $12
  • Nashville's Tenn South Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $16
  • Downtown Nashville Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $21
  • Nashville Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $24
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $25
  • Haunted Nashville Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Nashville's Honky Tonk Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $29
  • Nashville Brewery & Distillery Tour by Golf Cart: $54
  • 2-Hour Golf Cart Bar Crawl Tour: $58
  • The Ville All-Inclusive Pub Crawl: $69
  • Downtown Nashville Broadway Bar Crawl with Drinks & Bull Riding: $71
  • All-Inclusive Nashville "Hey Y'all" Distillery Crawl with Transportation: $75


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.


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. Temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Nashville stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Asheville 82°F (28°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

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 temperature in Asheville is usually 64°F (18°C) in October, and Nashville stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

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 are around 44°F (7°C), and Nashville is 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Asheville 44°F (7°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

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. Temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Nashville stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Asheville

Asheville Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 47°F (8°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 55°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 47°F (8°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)


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Asheville vs. Nashville Travel Comparison

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