A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Nashville for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cancun or Nashville?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Nashville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cancun travel costs.

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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums. See Nashville travel costs.

Cancun and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cancun or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Nashville are about the same size, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nashville attracts visitors for its food, music, and big city activities. Cancun is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.



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How is Cancun different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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 Cancun or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cancun
Nashville

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

Nashville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Cancun or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun 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 Cancun just to party. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or Nashville Better for Music?

Cancun
Nashville

Nashville is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Cancun is not a live music destination.


Is Cancun or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

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 Cancun or Nashville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Nashville is not a beach destination.


Is Cancun or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Nashville?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun 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 Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

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 Cancun or Nashville More Beautiful?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cancun or Nashville Better for Families?

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun or Nashville Better for Couples?

Cancun
Nashville

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

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Nashville

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

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Cancun
Nashville

Cancun 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.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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 Cancun or Nashville a more walkable city?

Cancun
Nashville

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

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Nashville. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun 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 Cancun.


  • How many days in Cancun or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Cancun or Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cancun. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nashville. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cancun or Nashville?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the wild destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Nashville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventurous city of Cancun. 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. 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. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Nashville?

Cancun 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 Cancun, 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 country music lovers destination of Nashville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Cancun?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cancun Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cancun $161
    Nashville $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $161, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $202. 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 Cancun and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $93
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $186
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Cancun 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 Cancun


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: Cancun Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $17
    Nashville $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.60
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $13
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $16
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

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

  • transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
  • Transfers in Luxury Sedan from Cancun Airport: $97
  • Transfers From Hotel to Hotel: $125
  • Transfer priv. Cancun Airport to Costa Mujeres / Playa Mujeres: $90
  • Transfer in Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan: $95
  • Transfer hotel Cancun to Cancun Airport up to 8 people: $40
  • Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen: $129
  • Transfer from Cancun Airport to Carmen Beach and Tulum: $82
  • Transfer Redondo Private Airport Cancun to Playa del Carmen: $175
  • Transfer Private Airport International CUN - Cáncun: $76
  • Transfer Airport-Hotel ( One Way ) Apto Cancun to Playa del Carmen: $87
  • Transfer Airport To Excellence Finest Atelier Playa Mujeres: $79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Nashville Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $134
  • Nashville Airport Transfer with Limo Service: $129
  • Best Nashville Limo Service, and BNA Airport Round trip transfers: $250
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Cancun 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
    Cancun $47
    Nashville $72
Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

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

  • Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruising Experience: $53
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Cancun Food Tour - Taco Attack: Street Food & Tequila Tasting: $69
  • Salsa Streets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
  • Cancun Food Tour: Market 23, Local Flavors & Downtown Culture: $69
  • Cancun Historic Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Tastings: $76
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class: $79
  • Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
  • Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun Couples Special: $80
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $81
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Nashville: $75
  • Franklin Walking Food Tour: Midday on Main Street: $89
  • Nashville Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $92
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Franklin, TN: $95
  • Nashville Dinner Cruise on the Cumberland River: $96
  • Authentic Food Tour with 5 Tastings of Local Dishes: $100
  • Nashville Food Tour - Broadway and Backstreets - Walking: $110
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $112
  • Franklin Food Tour: Savor the Charm & History: $145
  • East Nashville Food Tour: Flavors and Stories of the East Side: $145
  • Beer, Bourbon, & Hattie B's Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $34
    Nashville $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.57
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $97

Tours and Activities in Cancun

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

  • 1 Day Tour to Bacalar, Cenotes and 7 color Lagoon with lunch from Cancun: $125
  • 1-Day Tour to Bacalar with Kayaking, Marmol Beach Club and Cenote: $119
  • 1-hour Clear Boat Tour in Nichupte Lagoon from Cancun: $22
  • 2 Islands Tour - Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen: $160
  • 2 in 1 Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun with Open Bar: $50
  • 2 in 1 Parasailing and Jet Sky Tour in Cancun: $140
  • 2-Day Deluxe Tour: Tulum and Chichén Itzá: $120
  • 20 minutes Jet Pack flight experience in Cancun!: $119
  • 2x1 Tulum tour and Chichen Itza tour for 1 price in 2 days: $139
  • 3 Hidden Cenotes Experience & Puerto Morelos Reef Snorkeling: $89
  • 3 adrenaline activities Atvs Zipline and a swim experience in a cenote: $60
  • 3 in 1 Jungle Tour Adventure Cancun: $69

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • 2-Hour Guided E-Bicycle Sightseeing Tour of Nashville: $117
  • 3 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $269
  • 4 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $299
  • 4 Hour Can-Am Experience to Hampshire Wineries: $299
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventure Park Ziplining and Climbing in Nashville: $54
  • Axe Throwing Experience with Private Lane and Coach: $46
  • Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour: $200
  • Belmont Mansion General Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18
  • Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus: $35
  • Big E’s Bronco City Tour: $55
  • Bootleg and Barrels: Tennessee Whiskey Tasting Golf Cart Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $13
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

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

  • A bespoke wine tastings crafted for unforgettable moments: $85
  • Bar Crawl Madness Tour in Cancun: $115
  • Brewery Tour Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $130

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville Ghosts: Adults-Only Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Nashville Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Venues & Drink Specials: $30
  • Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $31
  • Battle at Belle Meade Civil War Tour & Complimentary Wine Tasting: $33
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $33
  • Journey to Jubilee Guided Tour at Belle Meade with Wine Tasting: $33
  • Franklin Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Night-Time Pub Crawl in Nashville: $35
  • Nashville Till Death Do Us Part: Broken Heart Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Whiskey Country Pub Crawl and Distillery Tour: $35
  • Murder in Printer's Alley: Interactive Mystery Pub Crawl Game: $40
  • Nashville Hop On Hop Off Distillery Tour: $40


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cancun or Nashville?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Cancun 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.