A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Memphis for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Memphis?

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 Baltimore and Memphis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Memphis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Memphis are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Memphis is known for its music. Baltimore is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Baltimore different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Memphis?

Baltimore
Memphis

Baltimore is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.


Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Memphis

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

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Memphis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Baltimore or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Memphis

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Memphis.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Is Baltimore or Memphis Better for Music?

Baltimore
Memphis

Memphis is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Memphis There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Memphis?

Baltimore
Memphis

Baltimore is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Baltimore or Memphis Better for Families?

Baltimore
Memphis

Baltimore is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Baltimore or Memphis Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Memphis

Both Baltimore and Memphis are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.


Is Baltimore or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Memphis

Baltimore is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Baltimore or Memphis Better for Students?

Baltimore
Memphis

Memphis is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Memphis is popular with students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Baltimore or Memphis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore
Memphis

Baltimore is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

Baltimore offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.


Is Baltimore or Memphis a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Memphis

Baltimore is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Memphis. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Memphis. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Memphis 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 Baltimore.


  • How many days in Baltimore or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Baltimore or Memphis?

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. 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 Baltimore or Memphis?

In Baltimore, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Baltimore has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Memphis. 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 Baltimore or Memphis?

Baltimore is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. 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 Baltimore or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Memphis 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $167. 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 Baltimore and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Memphis? 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 Baltimore


Hotels in Memphis


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $282
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $46
    Memphis $43
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $67
  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $194
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

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

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $105
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $27
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $67
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25

Tours and Activities in Memphis

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.

  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street: $6.50
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Downtown In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket at FedExForum: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Memphis $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $59
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $62


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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Memphis, 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 Baltimore or Memphis?

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 Baltimore or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is cooler than Memphis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Memphis averages at about 83°F (29°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Memphis. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Memphis. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Memphis. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Memphis can be very cold during winter. Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. Baltimore is much colder than Memphis in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Baltimore is cooler than Memphis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. In April, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Memphis. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Baltimore

Baltimore Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)