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

Should you visit Nashville or Detroit?

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 Detroit 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 southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Nashville and Detroit: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Detroit?

Both Detroit and Nashville have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Nashville is very popular for its resorts, while Detroit attracts visitors for its shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Nashville different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville
Detroit

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Nashville or Detroit.

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.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.


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

Nashville
Detroit

Foodies will find both Nashville and Detroit both to be nice destinations.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Nashville or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Detroit

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Detroit.

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.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Nashville or Detroit Better for Music?

Nashville
Detroit

It can be fun to see live music in either Nashville and Detroit.

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.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Detroit Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.


Is Nashville or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Detroit

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Detroit?

Nashville
Detroit

Detroit 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 Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

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 Detroit Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Detroit

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Detroit does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Detroit does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Detroit Better for Families?

Nashville
Detroit

Both Nashville and Detroit are nice 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 Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Nashville or Detroit Better for Couples?

Nashville
Detroit

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

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Nashville or Detroit Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Detroit

Nashville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.


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

Nashville
Detroit

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit a more walkable city?

Nashville
Detroit

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

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Detroit?

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

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

One day in Nashville or Detroit?

In Nashville, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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


A weekend in Nashville or Detroit?

In Nashville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

You'll find live music and food around the overlooked destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit?

Nashville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the overlooked city of Detroit. 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 Nashville or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit 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, Detroit 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 Detroit is $133. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Detroit? 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 Detroit


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $141
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $141
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $129
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $44

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

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

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Detroit $21

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

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $222
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $6.52
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $115
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Segway Tour Strait to the Point: $99
  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $26
  • Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15

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

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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit 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 Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nashville is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nashville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Detroit. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In October, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (17°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the autumn, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Detroit. 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 Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. Nashville is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Detroit. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nashville is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nashville in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the spring, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Detroit. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Nashville

Nashville Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)