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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Nashville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Petersburg and Nashville: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville than Saint Petersburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nashville is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg is known for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nashville and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common 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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Nashville is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Nashville for the nightlife scene. 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 Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Nashville is terrific for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Nashville is known as a music capital 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Saint Petersburg and Nashville.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir 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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Nashville is very good for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

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

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Nashville is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Nashville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Nashville

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Nashville is not a walkable coastal city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.


For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Nashville. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville than Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. 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.

You'll find live music and food around the southern destination of Nashville. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and museums around the country music lovers city of Nashville. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


A week in Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Nashville is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $172. 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 Saint Petersburg and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Nashville? 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 Saint Petersburg


Hotels in Nashville


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Private Round trip transfer - Nashville International Airport (BNA): $260
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $49
    Nashville $41
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $98
  • 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.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Nashville $27

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • Nashville Ghosts: Hauntings of Music City Tour By Junket: $30
  • "Murder in Music City" Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour of Nashville: $35
  • 2 Hour Narrated Sightseeing Tractor Tour of Nashville: $59
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Axe Throwing Experience with Private Lane and Coach in Nashville: $46
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ: Nashville Adventure: $189
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18
  • Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus: $40
  • Big E’s Bronco Tours - Nashville Music History and Cultural Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Tour and Tastings: $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
  • 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
  • Brewery and Distillery Cart Tour: $59


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Nashville, 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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville?

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 Saint Petersburg or Nashville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Nashville. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nashville in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Nashville. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Nashville. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nashville. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nashville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nashville can be very cold. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Nashville. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)