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

Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Nashville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Pensacola travel costs.

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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Nashville travel costs.

Pensacola and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 Pensacola or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Pensacola. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Pensacola attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping. Pensacola is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. 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 Pensacola different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pensacola
Nashville

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pensacola and Nashville.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nashville. 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 Pensacola or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola
Nashville

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Nashville both to be superb destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Nashville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Pensacola or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Nashville

Nashville is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Nashville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Nashville Better for Music?

Pensacola
Nashville

Nashville is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is not a live music destination.


Is Pensacola or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Nashville

Pensacola is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

In Pensacola, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

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 Pensacola or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Nashville

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

Pensacola is considered to be a world-class beach destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Nashville

Pensacola is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Nashville?

Pensacola
Nashville

Pensacola is a beach town with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pensacola. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

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 Pensacola or Nashville Better for Families?

Pensacola
Nashville

Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or Nashville Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Nashville

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

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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 Pensacola or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pensacola
Nashville

Nashville is very good for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

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

Pensacola
Nashville

Neither Pensacola or Nashville offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

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

Is Pensacola or Nashville a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Nashville

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

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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 Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Nashville?

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

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

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

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

One day in Pensacola or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Pensacola. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 food and museums around the city of Nashville. 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 Pensacola or Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Pensacola. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the country music lovers destination of Nashville. 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 Pensacola or Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the entertaining beach town of Pensacola. 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 relaxing resort destination. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic city of Nashville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Pensacola or Nashville?

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pensacola, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nashville 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Pensacola?

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

  • Pensacola Prices
    USA Prices
    Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pensacola $234
    Nashville $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $234, 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 Pensacola and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Nashville $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Reliable Airport Transfer to Downtown Nashville: $35
  • Private Transfer Nashville Airport BNA to Nashville City: $50
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Airport Transfer Mini Van (Sienna Or Odyssey Or Similar): $65
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Luxe Transfer: $90
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • One way Private Transfer from International Airport to Nashville : $97
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84
    Nashville $72
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Nashville: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Nashville: $75
  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Local Delicacies: $99
  • East Nashville Sidewalk Food Tour : $99
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $112
  • East Nashville Food Tour: Flavors & Stories of the East Side: $145
  • 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.
    Pensacola $13
    Nashville $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • Bay Cruise: $65
  • Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
  • Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
  • Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
  • Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
  • Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Music City Smart Phone Self-Guided Audio/App Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Nashville Exploration Game and Tour: Sound Heist: $7.16
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $7.70
  • Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Factory Tour: $8.74
  • Nashville’s Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Mechanical Bull Ride with Skip The Line Access: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Nashville by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Legends of Country Music Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Natchez Trace Parkway: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45

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
  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Ghosts: Adults-Only Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Journey to Jubilee Guided Tour at Belle Meade with Wine Tasting: $29
  • Nashville Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Venues & Drink Specials: $30
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $33
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Ghostly Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Nashville, we can see that Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive? and Is Nashville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Pensacola during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

In July, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as Nashville. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pensacola or Nashville in the Autumn?

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

Pensacola is a little warmer than Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Nashville. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Nashville. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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 the winter, Pensacola is much warmer than Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Nashville. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In April, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. In April, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Nashville. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Pensacola

Pensacola Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)