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

Should you visit Nashville or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a bustling, progressive, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Nashville and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Nashville and Seattle are roughly the same size, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle 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 music and resorts. Seattle is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Nashville different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a city with good options for theatre. However, Nashville is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Nashville is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Music?

Nashville is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

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.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Resorts?

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

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Seattle?

Seattle 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

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 Seattle Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Families?

Both Nashville and Seattle 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 Seattle. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Couples?

Both Nashville and Seattle 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.

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville and Seattle are both notable destinations for backpackers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Nashville or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Seattle 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, 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 Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist 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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Seattle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Nashville or Seattle?

In Nashville, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 Seattle?

In Nashville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 Seattle?

Nashville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Seattle. 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 Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the summer, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, 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 Seattle this time of year.

Nashville is a little warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nashville usually receives less rain than Seattle. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nashville or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Nashville during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seattle 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 Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nashville usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Seattle. Many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Nashville is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 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 Seattle. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Nashville