Is Nashville expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Nashville has become one of the pricier cities in the American South, with downtown hotel rates that rival much bigger cities, especially at weekends. Plan on about US$185 a day per person on a budget, US$360 mid-range and US$680 for comfort. Hotels, show tickets and tips take most of the money; the live music on Lower Broadway is free to enter.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$90 | US$170 | US$320 |
| Food & drink | US$50 | US$90 | US$170 |
| Sights & tickets | US$30 | US$70 | US$130 |
| Local transport | US$15 | US$30 | US$60 |
| Per person, per day | US$185 | US$360 | US$680 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Nashville day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Hot chicken plate | about US$15–20 |
| Beer in a Broadway honky-tonk | about US$7–10 |
| Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | about US$30–35 |
| Ryman Auditorium self-guided tour | about US$30–35 |
| Johnny Cash Museum | about US$25–28 |
| Grand Ole Opry ticket | roughly US$60–120 |
| Uber across the city | about US$12–25 |
| Downtown parking | US$20–50 a day |
| Mid-range downtown hotel | US$250–400 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the biggest cost: downtown and SoBro hotels often cost US$250–400 a night, and prices jump at weekends, for bachelorette season and big events such as CMA Fest; taxes add roughly 15–16% plus a nightly fee. Music attractions come next — the Hall of Fame, the Ryman, the Johnny Cash Museum and an Opry show can add up to US$150–200 per person. Food is moderately priced, but tips of 18–20% are expected, and bands in the honky-tonks rely on tips too. Getting around is cheap if you stay central, but parking is expensive.
When it is cheaper
January and February are usually the cheapest months, and Sunday to Thursday nights are far cheaper than weekends all year. Avoid CMA Fest in June, big concerts and football weekends if you want lower rates.
How to spend less
- Visit midweek: hotel prices often drop sharply from Sunday to Thursday.
- Enjoy free live music on Lower Broadway — honky-tonks have no cover charge, just tip the band.
- Stay near the airport or in Music Valley and use Uber for a cheaper base.
- Check for combination tickets (such as Hall of Fame plus RCA Studio B) if you want both.
- Do not bring a car downtown; parking can cost US$20–50 a day.
- Eat hot chicken and meat-and-three lunches rather than expensive dinners.
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Common questions
Is Nashville expensive to visit?
Hotels are expensive, especially at weekends, but the live music on Broadway is free to enter.
How much does a Grand Ole Opry ticket cost?
Roughly US$60–120, depending on the seat and the show.
Is there a cover charge on Broadway?
Most honky-tonks on Lower Broadway have no cover charge. Tip the band if you stay.