A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Nashville for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Nashville can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Cabo San Lucas and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Nashville are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nashville is known for its music and big city activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Both Cabo San Lucas and Nashville have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

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.


Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cabo San Lucas. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas just to party. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Music?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Nashville is a world-class destination for live music. However, Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is not a live music destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Nashville is not a beach destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Nashville is a city with good options for its Christmas activities. However, Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

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

Cabo San Lucas is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas has some public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Nashville a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Nashville

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Nashville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cabo San Lucas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Nashville, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the wild destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nashville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventurous city of Cabo San Lucas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the city of Nashville. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Cabo San Lucas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $116, 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 Cabo San Lucas and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $53
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $106
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $23
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in San José del Cabo APT-HTL(SJD): $91
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Jose del Cabo - Los Cabos Airport (SJD): $53
  • Transfer in private minivan from Cabo San Lucas - San Jose del Cabo(SJD): $67
  • Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport CSL to Cabo San Lucas : $34
  • Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $300
  • Transfer From Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $200
  • San José del Cabo: Half-Day Guided ATV Ride with Transfers: $129
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Airport to Pacific Side: $300
  • Roundtrip Cabo Airport Transfer: $125
  • Private Transfer to Cabo San Lucas from Cabo Airport: $180
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Los Cabos 1-10px: $162
  • Private Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $200

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Best limousine service in Nashville (Airport transfer ): $64
  • Las Vegas: One Way Private Transfer to/from McCarran Airport: $50
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150
  • One way Private Transfer from Nashville to Nashville Airport: $91
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $42
    Nashville $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Open Bar: $75
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Domestic Open Bar: $75
  • Tasting Cabo San Lucas Like a Local Food Tour: $75
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $80
  • Seafood Galore, Los Cabos Food Tour: $80
  • Sunset Dinner: $85
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $85
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Sunset Dinner on a Pirate Boat: $90
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90
  • Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas: $95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $104
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138
  • Factory at Franklin: Indoor Food Tour: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $36
    Nashville $27

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $25
  • OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with Lunch & Tequila : $199
  • Romantic tour in Cabo San Lucas: $186
  • 2 Hours Horseback Riding Adventure in Cabo: $130
  • 2 Tank Tour in Cabo San Lucas Reserve, Certified Divers with MANTA: $135
  • 2-Hour Camel Ride Beach and Desert Adventure Experience: $100
  • 2-Hours Sunset Experience at Los Cabos with Jazz and Bar! from Los Cabos: $130
  • 4X4 ATV Cabo Adventure, Beach, Desert, and Tequila Tasting : $70
  • 4x4 ATV Adventure with Tequila tasting and Mexican buffet lunch: $75
  • 6 Hour Guided Tour to Todos Santos: $95
  • A taste of Los Cabos. A San Jose and Cabo San Lucas City Tour : $100

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
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Nashville by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Sights & Highlights Walking tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Natchez Trace Parkway: $12
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Glen Campbell Museum Admission Ticket in Downtown Nashville: $20
  • Private Nashville Bike Taxi Tour: $20
  • Explore Haunted Downtown Walking Tour in Nashville : $20
  • Nashville Predators Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Bridgestone Arena: $20
  • Music City Ghosts & Hauntings Guided Walking Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $24
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Los Cabos: Bar Crawl: $82

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Booze, Boots, Murder and Mayhem: Country Music Pub Crawl: $30
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Booze, Murder, and Mayhem Country Music Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • True Crime Guided Pub Crawl and Walking Tour: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cabo San Lucas and Nashville, we can see that Nashville is more expensive. And not only is Cabo San Lucas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cabo San Lucas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

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


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.