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

Should you visit Nashville or Albuquerque?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Albuquerque 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.

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.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a traditional, cosmopolitan, and cultural town. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nashville and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Albuquerque?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Albuquerque are about the same size, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Albuquerque is known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry. Albuquerque is popular for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes.

How is Nashville different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

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 Nashville or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

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 Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Nashville is a great city for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Nashville has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Music?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Nashville is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Albuquerque 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.

Albuquerque is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque 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.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Albuquerque is revered around the world. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Albuquerque. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Albuquerque?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

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 Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Albuquerque 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.

Albuquerque does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Both Nashville and Albuquerque are good to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albuquerque. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.


Is Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Albuquerque makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

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 Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Nashville is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

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.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is Nashville or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Plenty of students visit Albuquerque. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.


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

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

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 Nashville or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Nashville
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Albuquerque is somewhat walkable. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

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 Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Nashville or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albuquerque due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

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

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


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

One day in Nashville or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic city of Nashville. Most people visit for the live music. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Albuquerque. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Nashville or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the southern destination of Nashville. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cosmopolitan destination of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Albuquerque?

The country music lovers city of Nashville offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional town of Albuquerque. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Albuquerque?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Albuquerque is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Nashville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $172, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $135. 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 Nashville and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Albuquerque? 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 Nashville


Hotels in Albuquerque


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: Nashville Hotel Prices and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Albuquerque $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Private Transfer Nashville To|From International Airport : $88
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

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

  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Round-Trip Transfer: $250
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Private Transfer: $125
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Pagosa Springs Private Transfer: $174
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Nashville 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
    Nashville $41
    Albuquerque $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albuquerque, NM: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Albuquerque $24

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour: $39
  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • Nashville Ghosts: Hauntings of Music City Tour By Junket: $30
  • "Murder in Music City" Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour of Nashville: $35
  • 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 Legends of Music City Guided Historical Walking Tour: $39
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventure Park Ziplining and Climbing in Nashville : $52
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

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

  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • 4pm - 75 Minute Private Ghost Tour Up To 5 People For All Ages in New Mexico: $108
  • 6pm PRIVATE GHOST TOUR of Old Town - 90 Minutes: $135
  • ABQ Beer Tour: A Curated Craft Beer Experience in the Land of Enchantment: $105
  • ABQ City Guided History Tour: $35
  • Albuquerque Old Town Art Tour with Wine & Museum Admission: $85
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $49
  • Albuquerque Snowshoe Experience: $135
  • Albuquerque’s Family Adventure of A Journey of Discovery: $287
  • Albuquerque’s Family Adventure: A Journey of Discovery: $606

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Albuquerque $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Night-Time Pub Crawl in Nashville: $30
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Albuquerque?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Albuquerque. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Albuquerque, 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.