A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Nashville for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Duck or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Duck or Nashville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Duck

Duck is a charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Duck travel costs.

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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Nashville travel costs.

Duck and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Duck and Nashville are both popular with visitors, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Duck is known for its beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. 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 Duck different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Duck or Nashville?

Duck
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Duck
Nashville

Nashville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nashville makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Nashville

Nashville is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

Nashville offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Nashville Better for Music?

Duck
Nashville

Nashville is renowned for live music. However, Duck is not a live music destination.

Nashville is a world class music destination. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Duck is not a live music destination.


Is Duck or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Duck
Nashville

Duck and Nashville offer a relatively similar set of good luxury resort options.

Duck has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

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 Duck or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Duck
Nashville

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

Duck is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Duck
Nashville

Duck is a beach town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Nashville?

Duck
Nashville

Duck is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck or Nashville More Beautiful?

Duck
Nashville

Duck is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Duck or Nashville Better for Families?

Duck
Nashville

Duck 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.

Duck is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Nashville Better for Couples?

Duck
Nashville

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

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Duck
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

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

Duck
Nashville

Duck 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck or Nashville a more walkable city?

Duck
Nashville

Duck is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Duck. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Duck?

How long in Duck or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Nashville. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville than Duck 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 Duck or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Duck or Nashville?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Nashville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Nashville?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nashville is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Duck or Nashville?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Nashville. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Nashville?

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

The eclectic city of Nashville offers nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Duck?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Nashville $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $202. 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 Duck and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Duck and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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: Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Duck 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
    Duck $78
    Nashville $72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • East Nashville Guided Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Dishing on Downtown: Nashville Food Tour: $145
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $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:

  • Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Factory Tour: $8.74
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Legends of Country Music Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Hatch Show Print Shop Guided Tour: $23
  • Haunted History Walking Tour with Guide: $25
  • Nashville's Wildest Honky Tonk Party Bus | Public Tour (21+): $25
  • Nightmare & Hauntings of Music City Nashville Ghost Tour: $27
  • Madame Tussauds Admission Ticket: $30
  • True Crime Walking Tour from Mr. E's Crimecast: $30
  • Guided Ghost-Themed Walking Tour: $30
  • Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour: $30
  • Battle at Belle Meade Civil War Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Artists: $35
  • Music History and Moonshine Pub Crawl: $35
  • Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour: $35
  • Murder Mystery Interactive Party Game & Pub Crawl: $38
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Pub Crawl: $38
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley Tour: $45
  • Nashville Bar Crawl: Guided Pub Crawl with Drinks Discounts: $48
  • Nashville's Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Duck and Nashville, we can see that Duck is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 940 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck or Nashville?

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 Duck or Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Duck during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Duck in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Duck is around the same temperature as Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the summer, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Duck or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Nashville. Most visitors come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Duck is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Duck in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives more rain than Nashville. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Duck or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck as well as Nashville. The winter months attract visitors to Duck because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. The weather in Duck can be very cold. In January, Duck is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 41°F (5°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Duck often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Nashville. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Duck or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

Duck is cooler than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. In April, Duck usually receives less rain than Nashville. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Duck

Duck Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)