A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Nashville for Nightlife, Resorts, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a flashy, party-oriented, and colorful city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Atlantic City and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Atlantic City and Nashville are both popular with visitors, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is more popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Atlantic City is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Atlantic City different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Nashville?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Nashville is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.


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

Atlantic City
Nashville

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Nashville both to be good destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Nashville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Nashville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Music?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Nashville is a world-class destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Nashville is a world class music destination. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.


Is Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

In Atlantic City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Is Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atlantic City. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Nashville?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

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 Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas activities. However, Atlantic City does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville is a fun destination over Christmas. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Atlantic City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Nashville is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City and Nashville both good destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City and Nashville are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

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

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Atlantic City has some public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Nashville a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Nashville

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Nashville. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Nashville. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Atlantic City or Nashville?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the flashy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 destination of Nashville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.


A week in Atlantic City or Nashville?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find live music and food around the city of Nashville. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Atlantic City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlantic City and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City


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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $50
    Nashville $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Neighborhood Food Tour on E-bikes: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Nashville $27

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

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

  • 75-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure Above Ocean City, MD: $70
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure: $53
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Parasailing Experience: $95
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $119
  • Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour: $110
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic Walking Tour: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Explore Nashville's Melodies: An In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $13
  • Explore Haunted Downtown Walking Tour in Nashville : $20
  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour with Ice Cream : $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $31
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Lost Spirits: Murder True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City and Nashville, we can see that Nashville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Nashville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Nashville. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches 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.

Atlantic City is cooler than Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, 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 Atlantic City this time of the year. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Nashville in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Atlantic City is cooler than Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nashville. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Atlantic City during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlantic City 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. It's quite cold in Atlantic City in the winter. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nashville. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Nashville. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

Atlantic City is much colder than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Nashville. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)