A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. Hood River for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nashville or Hood River?

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 Hood River 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Nashville and Hood River: 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 for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Nashville or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Hood River are popular destinations, Nashville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nashville is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Hood River attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hood River is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. 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 Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hood River and Nashville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Nashville or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Nashville
Hood River

Hood River is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nashville is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Nashville is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nashville or Hood River?

Nashville
Hood River

Nashville is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Nashville
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Hood River

Nashville is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is Nashville or Hood River Better for Music?

Nashville
Hood River

Nashville is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a live music destination.

Is Nashville or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Hood River

Nashville is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Nashville
Hood River

Hood River is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Hood River?

Nashville
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

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 Hood River Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Hood River

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Hood River Better for Families?

Nashville
Hood River

Hood River 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.

Hood River is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

Nashville
Hood River

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

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Hood River

Hood River is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Hood River is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

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

Nashville
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.


Is Nashville or Hood River a more walkable city?

Nashville
Hood River

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

Hood River is generally not a very walkable town. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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 Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Hood River. In our opinion, Hood River has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hood River than Nashville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Nashville or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in Nashville or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the eclectic city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Hood River. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the quaint destination of Hood River. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Hood River?

Nashville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic town of Hood River. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Hood River?

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Hood River 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 Hood River is $145. 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 Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Hood River? 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 Hood River


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 Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Hood River $46

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: $66
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River 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
    Hood River $40

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Hood River $18

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
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ: Nashville Adventure: $189
  • 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 Hood River

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

  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Railbikes Experience: $211
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Hood River $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City 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
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Hood River?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nashville is a little warmer than Hood River. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nashville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Hood River averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Hood River. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (17°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the autumn, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hood River. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Hood River. Most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hood River because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hood River can be very cold. Nashville can be very cold during winter. Nashville is cooler than Hood River in the winter. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nashville usually receives less rain than Hood River. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Hood River. The spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In the spring, Nashville is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nashville in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Hood River averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. 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 Hood River. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Nashville

Nashville Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)