A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Nashville for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nags Head or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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.

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include food.

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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nags Head and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Nags Head and Nashville are both popular with visitors, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Nashville?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nags Head or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Nashville

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Nashville can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

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 Nags Head or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is great for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Nashville for the nightlife scene. 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Nashville Better for Music?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Nashville is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.


Is Nags Head or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Nashville?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is adequate for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nashville is a good destination for shopping. 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nags Head does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Nags Head does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nags Head or Nashville Better for Families?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Nashville Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Nashville

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Nashville make for a good place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun 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.

Is Nags Head or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Nashville

For backpackers, both Nags Head and Nashville are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Nashville a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Nashville

Nashville is mediocre for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Nashville?

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

Couples should spend more time in Nashville than Nags Head. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville than Nags Head 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 Nashville.


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

One day in Nags Head or Nashville?

You'll find food around the of Nags Head. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Nashville. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Nags Head or Nashville?

You'll find food around the destination of Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Nashville. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Nashville?

You'll find food around the of Nags Head. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern city of Nashville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Nashville?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    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.
    Nags Head $14
    Nashville $27

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • Nashville Ghosts: Hauntings of Music City Tour By Junket: $30
  • 1 Hour Nashville Insider Photoshoot Tour in the Gulch: $79
  • 2 Hour Narrated Sightseeing Tractor Tour of Nashville: $59
  • 2-Hour Guided E-Bicycle Sightseeing Tour of Nashville: $117
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventure Park Ziplining and Climbing in Nashville : $52
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18
  • Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus: $40
  • Big E’s Bronco Tours - Nashville Music History and Cultural Tour: $45
  • Civil Rights Tour Of Nashville: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Nashville $15

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
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City 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
  • 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
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Nashville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Nashville?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nags Head or Nashville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Nashville. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Nashville. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Nashville. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Nashville. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine. 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 Nags Head can be very cold. In January, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Nashville. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Nags Head during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

Nags Head is cooler than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the spring, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nags Head usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Nags Head

Nags Head Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)