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

Should you visit Nashville or Portland?

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 Portland 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.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, hiking, and shopping.

Nashville and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Portland are both popular with visitors, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Portland is known for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Nashville different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Nashville is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland 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 Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Nashville or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Nashville or Portland Better for Music?

Nashville is very popular for live music. Also, Portland 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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Nashville or Portland Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Portland 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.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Portland?

Portland 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 Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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 Portland Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a city with good options for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Portland 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.

Portland does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Portland Better for Families?

Both Nashville and Portland 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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Nashville or Portland Better for Couples?

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

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

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Nashville or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Portland is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Portland. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nashville than Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Nashville or Portland?

The city of Nashville offers live music and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. 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 Portland?

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nashville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the scenic destination of Portland. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Portland?

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the nature-filled city of Portland. 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 Portland?

Nashville is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Portland 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Nashville and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Nashville is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

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

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

Should I visit Nashville or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nashville is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nashville in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

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

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

Should I visit Nashville or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Portland. Many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. In January, Nashville is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 38°F (4°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

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

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

Should I visit Nashville or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Nashville is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

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

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

Typical Weather for Portland and Nashville