Nashville is an eclectic city known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Nashville, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Nashville?
You should plan to spend around $202 per day on your vacation in Nashville. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $72 on meals
- $21 on local transportation
- $198 on hotels
A one week trip to Nashville for two people costs, on average, $2,828. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Nashville expensive to visit?
Nashville is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Nashville can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $87 per day, mid-range travelers spend $202 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $434 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Nashville.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Nashville is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Norfolk or Grand Canyon National Park.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Nashville Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Nashville?
The average Nashville trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nashville travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nashville cost?
Nashville on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
|
$99
|
$231
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8.85
|
$21
|
$46
|
|
Food 2
|
$31
|
$72
|
$143
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
|
$27
|
$58
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
|
$7-22
|
$15-46
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Nashville without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $87 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Nashville, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Nashville often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $202 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Nashville. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hilton Suites Brentwood is a good kid-friendly option, and Renaissance Nashville Hotel is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Nashville here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $434. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Axe Throwing Experience with Private Lane and Coach in Nashville - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Nashville
Hotel prices in Nashville can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $145 up to around $271. From $94 for budget options to $438 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Nashville for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $198. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $99 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Nashville? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Nashville include:
- Fairlane Hotel starting at $270
- Hilton Nashville Downtown starting at $218
- Bobby Hotel starting at $275
- Kimpton Aertson Hotel starting at $242
- Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown starting at $232
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Nashville
The public transit system in Nashville is not very good. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.
Sadly, the city isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $21 per person, per day, on local transportation in Nashville. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nashville is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Best limousine service in Nashville (Airport transfer ) for $75 details
- Nashville Airport Transfer with Limo Service for $99 details
- Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel for $128 details
How much does it cost to go to Nashville? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Nashville will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Nashville
The local cuisine in Nashville is terrific, so make it a point to take time to taste all the unique flavors. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Nashville can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nashville is $72 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$72
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nashville is around $72 ($72) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $143. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Nashville are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $50
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Some people enjoy popular restaurants that are near the art and music scenes, such as:
The Loveless Cafe is where you go to enjoy great southern menus, with Wednesday evening variety shows. It is located at the northern terminus of the Natchez Tree, where it serves only lunch and dinner daily.
Perhaps you want to enjoy the popular Bluebird Cafe, located on Hillsboro Pike in a tucked away strip mall, between a Shell gas station and a McDonald's. The Bluebird Cafe seats around 100 people, who are serenaded by the latest artists, like Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, and Darius Rucker. Yes their performances are free, as you dine on amazing food!
Remember, this is Nashville, where exceptional dining experiences can be enjoyed everywhere. Try the near-by, award winning restaurants, like the Bombay Palace restaurant near Vanderbilt University, where the menu contains Indian designed, delectable dishes. Dine at the Anatolia Turkish Restaurant in west Nashville's Lion's Head Village or dine at Sole Mio on 3rd Avenue in South Nashville, which features handmade, old world pastas.
Plenty of vegetarian and vegan places can also be found around town. Check out this guide to vegan restaurants in Nashville for more information.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Nashville. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Downtown Food Tour for $145 details
- Factory at Franklin: Indoor Food Tour for $145 details
- Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $99 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nashville
Tourists can't resist Nashville, especially for its well-known music, food, nightlife, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nashville typically cost an average of $27 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$27
The Nashville Farmers' Market is a must see visit. Fresh foods are displayed everyday in this downtown marketplace, where different varieties of fruits and veggies are sprawled out. The Farmers' Market is open from 8 am to 5pm, everyday except Sundays.
The Parthenon is located within Nashville's Centennial Park. It is a great replica of the Greek Parthenon. It houses the city's art museum, American artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, and art performances. Visitors will also enjoy a 41 foot tall statue of Athena, a Greek goddess that was sculpted in 1990 by a renowned Tennessee artist.
Do not leave this amazing musical capital city, without visiting downtown's Music Row, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as the RCA Studio B tour. The RCA Studio B was a recording studio home to recording artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Rimes, and many, many more. Today, the Studio is still actively used by Belmont University engineering students, musicians and artists. Street musicians also celebrate southern life everyday on its many streets and avenues.
Read more: What to do with 3 days in Nashville.
Nashville is a city that offers seasonal activities. The weather in Nashville is very moderate, with lows around 37 degrees in January and highs around 80 degrees in July. Believe it or not, Nashville offers many free events and activities. The CMA Music Festival in June is 4 days of free music, where artists also give free performances all over downtown. Vanderbilt University and Belmont University provides free concerts throughout the year. The famous Fish Jubilee Singers also perform publicly throughout the year.
The Nashville Symphony Community Concert, provides free outdoor performances, including many local musicians and musical organizations with themed events, year round. Not only is music often a free experience, but from January to December, Nashville offers festivals, family fun activities, and so much more.
Music:
Nashville's music scene is renowned for its popularity and draws in crowds. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.
A nice way to explore destinations in Nashville is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Walkin' Nashville - Music City Legends Tour for $40 details
- Walking and Tasting Tour of The Gulch for $98 details
- Nashville Songwriter Experience for $230 details
Nightlife Budget in Nashville
Visitors in Nashville can't get enough of the fun nightlife, spending their evenings at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $15 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Nashville per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Nashville. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl for $25 details
- Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl for $25 details
- Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood for $35 details
Traveling in Nashville
Nashville, Tennesse
Nashville, Tennessee, known as Music City USA and home to the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, is waiting for vacationers and tourists. Even though musical attractions may be Nashville's main showcases, there are still plenty of other places and activities to check out, like hiking along shorelines, visit urban parks filled with entertainment, fishing, zoos, museums, take in shows in a variety of venues and so much more. Nashville tourism is also a discount, coupon friendly town for independent travelers and families. There are also many free attractions to enable you to enjoy all that this part of God's country has to offer.
Neighborhoods & Around
Downtown Nashville, whose nickname is "The District," is the lifeblood of the city. There are also many other colorful Nashville communities that are filled with history, art, and dance pok'n fun. For instance:
East Nashville: If you like unique art scenes, great local musical talent, chef-inspired restaurants, and local craft beer, this is your spot. Across the Cumberland river from downtown Nashville, are shopping, eating, and nighttime fun honky-tonks and bars. Look for the Marche Artisan Foods restaurant, the I Dream of Weenie food truck, or the James Beard inspired restaurant – the Lockeland Table. Shop at the Five Points, buy old vinyl records at Found Object Records, and wind down the night at Rumours East or the Holland House Bar and Refuge.
The West End: West End is home to Music Row and you know you are there when you are greeted by 40 foot high bronze nudes. The West End houses many modern structures that are home to residents and recording studios. In the evening, walk down West End Avenue to Elliston Place for very lively nightlife spots, which are highly visited by Vanderbilt University students.
Opryland: When you fly into the Nashville International Airport, you are also entering in the southeastern part of the city, called Opryland. Yes, the Grand Ole Opry is here, located in the Ryman Auditorium. The Opryland area contains many budget friendly hotel chains, as well as chef-inspired eateries.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We eat at cheap restaurants and stay at the affordable hotels around town to save money.