A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Music, and Families

Should you visit Nashville or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Nashville and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or San Francisco?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Nashville. San Francisco is bigger than Nashville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Francisco is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nashville is more popular for its nightlife, music, and resorts. San Francisco is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Nashville different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit San Francisco from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car 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 Nashville or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for theatre. However, Nashville is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Nashville is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Nashville has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Nashville or San Francisco Better for Music?

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from 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'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is Nashville or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

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

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Nashville or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Francisco. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for 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 San Francisco Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, San Francisco does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

San Francisco does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

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

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Francisco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in San Francisco can get you around easily. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

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

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or San Francisco?

Both Nashville and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Nashville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Nashville or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern destination of Nashville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in Nashville or San Francisco?

You'll find live music and food around the city of Nashville. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nashville and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nashville or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and San Francisco. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nashville or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nashville as well as San Francisco. The autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Nashville is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. In the winter, Nashville is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Nashville usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nashville or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Nashville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Nashville