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

Should you visit Nashville or Boise?

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 Boise 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 country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums.

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Nashville and Boise: 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
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Boise?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nashville than Boise. Nashville is bigger than Boise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nashville is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Boise is more popular for its shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Boise and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Nashville different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boise 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 Boise?

Nashville
Boise

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nashville or Boise.

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.

Boise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.


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

Nashville
Boise

Nashville is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Nashville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Nashville or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Boise

Nashville is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Nashville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Nashville or Boise Better for Music?

Nashville
Boise

Nashville is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Boise is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Boise is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Boise Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Boise

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

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Boise is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Boise?

Nashville
Boise

Boise 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 Boise. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

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 Boise Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Boise

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

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Boise does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Boise Better for Families?

Nashville
Boise

Nashville is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Nashville or Boise Better for Couples?

Nashville
Boise

Nashville is a popular place for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Nashville is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Nashville or Boise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Boise

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.


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

Nashville
Boise

Boise 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 Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

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 Boise a more walkable city?

Nashville
Boise

Boise is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Boise is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't 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 Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nashville or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nashville than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville than Boise 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 Nashville or Boise? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Boise 1-2

One day in Nashville or Boise?

In Nashville, many people enjoy the food and museums that this country music lovers destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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


A weekend in Nashville or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Boise. 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 Nashville or Boise?

Nashville is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Nashville. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Boise. 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.

A week in Nashville or Boise?

You'll find live music and food around the eclectic destination of Nashville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Boise 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 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, Boise 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 Boise is $146. 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 Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Boise

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Boise? 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 Boise


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 Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Boise $34

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
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boise

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

  • Boise Air Terminal Airport One Way Transfer : $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Boise?

Prices for flights to both Boise 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
    Boise $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The 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

Typical Food Prices in Boise

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


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Boise $30

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
  • "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 Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventure Park Ziplining and Climbing in Nashville : $52
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Axe Throwing Experience with Private Lane and Coach in Nashville: $46
  • Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus: $40
  • Big E’s Bronco Tours - Nashville Music History and Cultural Tour: $45

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

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


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

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

  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Boise $24

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'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
  • Nashville Brewery & Distillery Tour by Golf Cart: $58


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Boise?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Boise, 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.