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

Should you visit Nashville or Cleveland?

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 Cleveland 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 live music, food, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Nashville and Cleveland: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Cleveland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville than Cleveland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nashville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Cleveland is known for its museums and shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Nashville different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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 Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Cleveland

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Nashville or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Cleveland

Nashville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Nashville or Cleveland Better for Music?

Nashville
Cleveland

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for live music. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

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.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.


Is Nashville or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Cleveland

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Cleveland?

Nashville
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

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 Cleveland Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Cleveland

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Cleveland Better for Families?

Nashville
Cleveland

Both Nashville and Cleveland 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 Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Nashville or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Nashville
Cleveland

Nashville is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Nashville or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Cleveland

Nashville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.


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

Nashville
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

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 Cleveland a more walkable city?

Nashville
Cleveland

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

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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 Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Cleveland. In our opinion, Nashville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nashville than Cleveland. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

Families should spend more time in Nashville than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Nashville or Cleveland?

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.

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


A weekend in Nashville or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the country music lovers 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse city of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

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.

Cleveland 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.


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Cleveland? 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 Cleveland


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 Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Cleveland $19

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 Round trip transfer - Nashville International Airport (BNA): $260
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $90
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $181
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $90
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36

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: $65
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $98
  • 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 Cleveland

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


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

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

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Cleveland $40

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
  • "Murder in Music City" Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour of Nashville: $35
  • 2 Hour Narrated Sightseeing Tractor Tour of Nashville: $59
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Axe Throwing Experience with Private Lane and Coach in Nashville: $46
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ: Nashville Adventure: $189
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $17
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $29
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $478
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $242
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $17
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Erie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Enchanted Cleveland Holiday Walking Tour: $297

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Cleveland $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Tour and Tastings: $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
  • 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
  • Brewery and Distillery Cart Tour: $59

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Cleveland?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Nashville or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Nashville is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. In July, Nashville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cleveland. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

In the autumn, Nashville is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nashville in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the autumn, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Cleveland. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. In January, Nashville is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 38°F (4°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

Nashville is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the spring, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Cleveland. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Nashville

Nashville Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)