How Much Money Do You Need for Nashville? Visitors Share Real Numbers

I asked Nashville visitors how much money they actually spent on their trips. The answers were all over the place — but some clear patterns emerged.

It Depends On One Big Thing

Are you drinking?

If yes, budget significantly more. If no, you can do Nashville surprisingly cheap.

One visitor who skipped alcohol spent around $800-900 for five days, including souvenirs. Another mentioned that avoiding alcohol makes it an inexpensive trip overall.

But if you're planning to drink on Broadway? That's a different story.

The Drink Prices Are Real

Mixed drinks start at $14 and go up from there. Way up.

One person paid $20 for a whiskey and coke at Ole Red on a Saturday night. Another mentioned $18 for two beers. And there's a 25% tax on alcohol in Nashville, which catches people off guard.

Beer runs $9-12 most places. Seltzers are similar. Mixed drinks? Expect $14-20 each, and some bars charge even more during peak times.

What People Actually Spent

For two people over a long weekend, most visitors landed somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000 — not including hotels.

Some spent less. One couple made it work on $500 for three days. Another spent $800 over four days by being selective about where they ate and drank.

Others spent more. Way more. One person dropped over $1,000 at a single restaurant in one night.

The average seems to be around $200-300 per day for two people, assuming you're eating out and having some drinks.

Daily Budget Breakdowns

One frequent visitor budgets $200-250 per day just for drinks. Another couple averaged $650 per day total.

If you're doing the full Broadway experience with food, drinks, and tips for the bands, figure $400-600 per day for two people. That's eating at decent places and not holding back on the drinks.

Solo travelers mentioned spending $300-350 per day when they're really enjoying themselves.

Food Costs

Breakfast and lunch run cheaper than dinner, but you're still looking at $15-20 minimum for a basic burger and fries at Broadway bars.

Dinner averages close to $100 per person if you're sitting down at a restaurant. Some places cost less, some more.

The Assembly Food Hall got mentioned as a good budget option. Food runs around $16 per meal there, and the quality is solid.

Where Prices Vary

Saturday night on Broadway? Expect top-tier prices.

Weekday afternoons are cheaper. One visitor paid $12.50 for a margarita at Casa Rosa during the week — still not cheap, but better than weekend rates.

Printers Alley has some bars with lower drink prices than Broadway. One place was charging $11 for a whiskey and coke when Broadway bars wanted $20 for the same thing.

The Cash vs Card Situation

Bring cards. Multiple cards if you can.

Most places on Broadway are card-only now. Some gift shops don't take cash at all. The only exception is tips — bring cash for tipping bartenders and bands.

One person mentioned spending $42 just to park for two hours downtown, and that was paid by card too.

What To Budget For

Your hotel is separate from everything else. Downtown hotels run $600+ per night during busy times. Staying outside downtown drops that to $125+ per night.

Parking adds up fast, especially during events. Check prices ahead of time and factor in surge pricing for rideshares.

Museum admissions, tours, and shows are extra too. Research what you want to do and add those costs to your total.

The “Double It” Rule

Multiple people suggested the same strategy: figure out what you think you'll spend, then double it.

That's not just being dramatic. Nashville has a way of costing more than you expect, especially if you're getting caught up in the experience and not tracking every dollar.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Pregame before you go out if you're drinking. One visitor specifically mentioned this saves a ton.

Get an Airbnb with a kitchen and buy groceries for some meals. That cuts food costs significantly.

Eat and drink during off-peak times when possible. Weekday afternoons have better prices than Saturday nights.

Skip Broadway entirely for some meals and find local spots with better prices.

Real Trip Examples

Three days, two people, moderate spending: $800-1,000 not including hotel.

Four days, two people, going hard on Broadway every night: $1,700-2,000.

Five days, two people, skipping alcohol: $800-900 including souvenirs.

Weekend trip, two people, full Broadway experience: $1,200-1,500 minimum.

The Bottom Line

Most visitors suggest bringing $1,500-2,000 for a couple of days if you're planning to enjoy yourself without worrying about every purchase.

Can you do it cheaper? Absolutely. People have done Nashville on $500 for a long weekend.

But if you want to experience Broadway, try different restaurants, and not stress about drink prices, budget closer to $250-300 per day per person.

And bring those credit cards.