Comparison · Chicago vs Nashville · United States
Chicago vs Nashville
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: File:Chicago River ferry.jpg : John Picken derivative work: Georgfotoart, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Choose Chicago for Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza, beaches and free sights; choose Nashville for Country music, Honky-tonks on Broadway and a milder winter. Nashville is generally less expensive, and the two are about 640 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 640 km
- Less expensive
- Nashville
- Best time for Chicago
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Nashville
- April–May and September–October
Side by side
| Chicago | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and The Bean (Cloud Gate) | Country music, Honky-tonks on Broadway and Grand Ole Opry |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | April–May and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $220–$360 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 0°C (32°F) | January, 9°C (48°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | North Avenue Beach | — |
| Airports | ORD, MDW | BNA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Chicago for…
Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza, beaches and free sights. Chicago spreads along the shore of Lake Michigan, with a downtown of landmark skyscrapers framed by the river and the lakefront parks. Most visitors base themselves in the Loop, River North or Streeterville and reach almost everything on foot or by the L…
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Choose Nashville for…
Country music, Honky-tonks on Broadway and a milder winter. Nashville, Tennessee's capital on the Cumberland River, is the centre of the country-music industry, earning it the nickname Music City. Lower Broadway's honky-tonks play live music from late morning until late at night, while the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand…
Top sights compared
| # | Chicago | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millennium Park and Cloud Gate | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum |
| 2 | Art Institute of Chicago | Ryman Auditorium |
| 3 | Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Grand Ole Opry |
| 4 | Willis Tower Skydeck | Lower Broadway honky-tonks |
| 5 | 360 Chicago observation deck | Johnny Cash Museum |
Food compared
| Chicago | Nashville |
|---|---|
| Deep-dish pizza | Nashville hot chicken |
| Tavern-style thin-crust pizza | Meat-and-three |
| Chicago-style hot dog | Biscuits |
| Italian beef | Whole-hog barbecue |
Which is cheaper?
Nashville is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $220–$360 per person there, against $250–$400 in Chicago (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Nashville on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Chicago and Nashville are about 640 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Chicago and 3 in Nashville.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Chicago or Nashville cheaper?
Nashville is usually less expensive: about $220–$360 a day mid-range against $250–$400 (estimates).
+Is Chicago or Nashville better for a first trip?
Pick Chicago for Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza, beaches and free sights, or Nashville for Country music, Honky-tonks on Broadway and a milder winter.
+How far is Chicago from Nashville?
About 640 km in a straight line.