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

Should you visit Nashville or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells 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. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nashville and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Nashville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nashville is very popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Nashville different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Nashville is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


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

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Foodies will find both Nashville and Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Wisconsin Dells.

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.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Music?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

If luxury resorts are your style, both Nashville and Wisconsin Dells have nice options.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

With a selection of resorts, Wisconsin Dells makes a nice vacation spot. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Wisconsin Dells?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Shoppers can find a variety of reasonable stores in both Nashville and Wisconsin Dells.

Nashville is a good destination for shopping. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Wisconsin Dells has some nice offerings. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.


Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville offers some nice Christmas activities. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is an extremely popular city to visit for families. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Both Nashville and Wisconsin Dells are nice 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.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.


Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

Neither Nashville or Wisconsin Dells offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Nashville or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Nashville
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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 Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Nashville or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nashville than Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Nashville or Wisconsin Dells?

The country music lovers destination of Nashville offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Nashville offers live music and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Nashville is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Wisconsin Dells 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, Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Wisconsin Dells $46

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
  • Nashville Music City Smart Phone Self-Guided Audio/App Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic 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
  • Explore Haunted Downtown Walking Tour in Nashville : $20
  • Nashville Unveiled: History, Highlights, and Hacks Walking Tour: $24
  • Cruising Nashville Narrated Sightseeing Tour by Open-Air Vehicle: $24

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Wisconsin Dells?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Nashville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nashville is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nashville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the summer, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nashville is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (17°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nashville usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Wisconsin Dells. Most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Wisconsin Dells can be very cold. Nashville can be very cold during winter. Nashville is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nashville is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nashville in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Nashville

Nashville Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)