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

Should you visit Nashville or Richmond?

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 Richmond 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 country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

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


Is there more to do in Nashville or Richmond?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nashville than Richmond. Nashville is bigger than Richmond, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nashville is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Richmond is more popular for its museums and shopping. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Nashville different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Richmond

Foodies will find both Nashville and Richmond both to be notable 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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Nashville or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Richmond

Nashville is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Nashville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Nashville or Richmond Better for Music?

Nashville
Richmond

Nashville is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Richmond is not a live music destination.

In Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Richmond is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Richmond Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Richmond

Nashville is very good for its resorts. However, Richmond is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Richmond is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Richmond?

Nashville
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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 Richmond Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Richmond

Nashville is very good for its Christmas activities. However, Richmond does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Nashville during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Richmond does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Richmond Better for Families?

Nashville
Richmond

Both Nashville and Richmond are notable 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 Richmond. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Nashville or Richmond Better for Couples?

Nashville
Richmond

Both Nashville and Richmond are notable 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.

Richmond makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Nashville or Richmond Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Richmond

Nashville is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.


Is Nashville or Richmond Better for Students?

Nashville
Richmond

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

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

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 Richmond Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nashville
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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 Richmond a more walkable city?

Nashville
Richmond

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

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nashville or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nashville than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville than Richmond 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 Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Nashville or Richmond?

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

A weekend in Nashville or Richmond?

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 museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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 food when visiting the growing city of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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.

Richmond 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Transfer Nashville To|From International Airport : $88
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21

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 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 Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Richmond $13

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Heart of Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic Walking Tour: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $13
  • Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Private Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart in Richmond: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Richmond -

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
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween 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
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Night-Time Pub Crawl in Nashville: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Richmond?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nashville or Richmond in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Richmond. 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 Richmond for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nashville is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the summer, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Richmond. Nashville usually gets less rain in July than Richmond. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Richmond because of the shopping scene.

Nashville is a little warmer than Richmond in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during autumn. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nashville usually receives less rain than Richmond. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Nashville during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nashville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

It's quite cold in Richmond in the winter. The weather in Nashville can be very cold. In the winter, Nashville is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Richmond averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Richmond. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Richmond in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Richmond. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In April, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during spring. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Richmond. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Nashville

Nashville Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)