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

Should you visit Nashville or Galveston?

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 Galveston 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Galveston

Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nashville and Galveston: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Galveston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Galveston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its music, resorts, and big city activities, while Galveston attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Galveston is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Nashville different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville
Galveston

Galveston 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 Galveston. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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 Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Galveston

Foodies will find both Nashville and Galveston 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 Galveston. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Nashville or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Galveston

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Galveston.

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.

Galveston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is Nashville or Galveston Better for Music?

Nashville
Galveston

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Galveston is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Nashville. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Galveston is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Galveston Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Galveston

Nashville is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Nashville
Galveston

Galveston is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Galveston. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Nashville or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Nashville
Galveston

Galveston is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Galveston is a good destination for visiting its old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Galveston?

Nashville
Galveston

Galveston is a town with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

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 Galveston Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Galveston

Nashville is very good for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Galveston Better for Families?

Nashville
Galveston

Galveston is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Galveston is a very family-friendly destination. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston Better for Couples?

Nashville
Galveston

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

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Nashville or Galveston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Galveston

Nashville is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Nashville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

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

Nashville
Galveston

Galveston 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 Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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 Galveston a more walkable city?

Nashville
Galveston

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

Galveston is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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 Galveston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Galveston?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nashville or Galveston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Galveston 1-3

One day in Nashville or Galveston?

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 town of Galveston. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Galveston has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Galveston?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the eclectic 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 coastal destination of Galveston. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nashville or Galveston?

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 food when visiting the charming town of Galveston. 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 Galveston?

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.

Galveston 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, Galveston 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 Galveston is $183. 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 Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Galveston $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Galveston? 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 Galveston


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 Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Galveston $35

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

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

  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $167
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $192
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $192
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston 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
    Galveston $52

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

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

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Galveston $15

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

Tours and Activities in Galveston

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

  • 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $179
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
  • Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
  • Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $351
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
  • Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $25
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $25
  • Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Galveston $37

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30


When comparing the travel costs between Nashville and Galveston, we can see that Galveston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Galveston?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Galveston, 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 Galveston?

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 Galveston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Galveston. Many visitors come to Nashville in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nashville is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nashville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Galveston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Galveston. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Galveston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Galveston. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Galveston because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Nashville is generally cooler than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (17°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Galveston in the Winter?

Both Galveston and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nashville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

The weather in Nashville can be very cold. Nashville is much colder than Galveston in the winter. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Galveston. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Galveston in the Spring?

Both Galveston and Nashville during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Nashville is cooler than Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nashville in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Galveston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Nashville

Nashville Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)