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

Should you visit Nashville or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nashville and Sacramento: 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 museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Sacramento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Sacramento are about the same size, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Nashville different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Sacramento

Foodies will find both Nashville and Sacramento 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 Sacramento. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Nashville or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Sacramento

Nashville is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Nashville or Sacramento Better for Music?

Nashville
Sacramento

Nashville is very popular for its live music scene. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Sacramento

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Sacramento?

Nashville
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

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 Sacramento Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Sacramento

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Sacramento Better for Families?

Nashville
Sacramento

Both Nashville and Sacramento are nice to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Nashville or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Nashville
Sacramento

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

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

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Nashville or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Sacramento

Nashville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.


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

Nashville
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

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 Sacramento a more walkable city?

Nashville
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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 Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nashville or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nashville than Sacramento 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 Sacramento.

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

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

One day in Nashville or Sacramento?

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


A weekend in Nashville or Sacramento?

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 museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed city of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento 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, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Sacramento $51

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53

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 Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Sacramento $19

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 Sacramento

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

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Sacramento $12

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 Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nashville and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Nashville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nashville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nashville 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Nashville.

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Sacramento?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nashville is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nashville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In October, Nashville is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (17°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the autumn, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Sacramento. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. Nashville is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nashville is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nashville in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the spring, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Nashville

Nashville Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)