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

Should you visit Nashville or Boston?

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 Boston 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Boston

Boston is a historic, traditional, and classic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Nashville and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Boston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston. Although Nashville and Boston are roughly the same size, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nashville is known for its music and resorts. Boston is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Nashville different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Nashville or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a very popular place for theatre. However, Nashville is not a theatre destination.

Boston attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Nashville is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston 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 Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Boston.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Boston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Nashville or Boston Better for Music?

Nashville is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

Nashville is a world class music destination. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Nashville or Boston Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a good destination for its resorts. However, Boston 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.

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Nashville or Boston Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Boston is revered around the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Boston?

Boston 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

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 Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

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

Is Nashville or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nashville does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Nashville does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Nashville or Boston Better for Families?

Boston 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.

Boston is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Nashville or Boston Better for Couples?

Both Nashville and Boston are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Nashville or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville and Boston are both good destinations for backpackers.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Nashville or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Boston is a very popular city for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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 Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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 Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Boston?

In either Nashville or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Nashville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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

One day in Nashville or Boston?

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.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. 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 Boston?

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.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in Nashville or Boston?

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.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Nashville or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the southern 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.

Boston 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nashville and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Nashville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nashville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nashville 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Nashville.

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

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Boston, 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 Nashville or Boston?

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 Nashville or Boston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Boston. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nashville is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the summer, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Boston. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nashville is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nashville in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nashville usually receives less rain than Boston. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nashville or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Nashville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nashville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Boston can be very cold during winter. Nashville can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nashville is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 38°F (4°C), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Boston. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Boston. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Boston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Boston. Most visitors come to Nashville for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Nashville is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during spring. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Boston. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Nashville