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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nashville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

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.

Cincinnati and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 Cincinnati or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Cincinnati. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Nashville

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Nashville is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Cincinnati or Nashville Better for Music?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Nashville is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

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

Cincinnati is not a live music destination.


Is Cincinnati or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Nashville?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

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 Cincinnati or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.

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

Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Cincinnati or Nashville Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Nashville.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

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 Cincinnati or Nashville Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Nashville

Cincinnati and Nashville are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Nashville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.


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

Cincinnati
Nashville

Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati has some public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through 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 Cincinnati or Nashville a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Nashville

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

Cincinnati is very walkable. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nashville than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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


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

One day in Cincinnati or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cincinnati. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the country music lovers city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cincinnati or Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. 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.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Cincinnati or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the blue collar city of Cincinnati. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nashville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Nashville?

Cincinnati 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.

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, 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 Cincinnati and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

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 (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Transfer Nashville To|From International Airport : $88
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Nashville $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

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 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • 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.
    Cincinnati $26
    Nashville $27

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18

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
  • The Heart of Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic Walking Tour: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • 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
  • Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Night-Time Pub Crawl in Nashville: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Nashville, we can see that Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Nashville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Nashville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Nashville. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cincinnati is generally around the same temperature as Nashville. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Nashville. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Cincinnati is cooler than Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Nashville. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the museums and the shopping scene. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. The weather in Cincinnati can be very cold. In the winter, Cincinnati is much colder than Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Nashville. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Nashville. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

In April, Cincinnati is generally cooler than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 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, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Nashville. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)