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

Should you visit Wilmington or Nashville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Nashville, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Wilmington 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Nashville travel costs.

Wilmington and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Nashville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville than Wilmington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nashville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Wilmington is known for its beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. 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 Wilmington different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Wilmington or Nashville.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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 Wilmington or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Wilmington or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a live music destination.

Is Wilmington or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Nashville?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington or Nashville Better for Families?

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Nashville Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Nashville Better for Students?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington or Nashville a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Nashville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville than Wilmington 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.

One day in Wilmington or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wilmington. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the eclectic city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Wilmington. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wilmington or Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Wilmington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Nashville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Nashville?

Wilmington 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Nashville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Nashville. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Wilmington is around the same temperature as Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°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 Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Nashville. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Nashville. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nashville. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nashville can be very cold during winter. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Nashville. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Wilmington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city.

Wilmington is around the same temperature as Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°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 Wilmington. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Wilmington gets 278 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. Wilmington usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Wilmington