A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Memphis for Food, Music, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charleston or Memphis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Memphis, 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.

Charleston

Charleston is a picturesque, charming, and southern coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Charleston and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Memphis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Charleston than Memphis. While Memphis is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Memphis attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Charleston is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Charleston different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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 Charleston or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Charleston is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Memphis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Charleston or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for live music.

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

You'll find some good live music in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Is Charleston or Memphis Better for Resorts?

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

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Charleston. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Memphis Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Charleston is revered around the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Memphis?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Charleston specifically to go shopping. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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 Charleston or Memphis Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a great coastal town for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Memphis does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is a very popular destination during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Memphis does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Memphis Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Memphis does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston has Christmas markets worth visiting. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Memphis does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Memphis Better for Families?

Charleston and Memphis are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

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

Is Charleston or Memphis Better for Couples?

Charleston is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Charleston has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. 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 Charleston or Memphis Better for Students?

Charleston and Memphis are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

Both Charleston and Memphis offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

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

Is Charleston or Memphis a more walkable city?

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

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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 Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charleston and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Memphis. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston 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 Charleston.

One day in Charleston or Memphis?

In Charleston, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the soulful city of Memphis, 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 Charleston or Memphis?

In Charleston, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Memphis, 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 Charleston or Memphis?

Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis, 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 Charleston or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. In Charleston, you'll find live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Memphis 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Memphis. The summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the summer, Charleston often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Charleston is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. Charleston usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charleston usually receives more rain than Memphis. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Charleston during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Memphis. Many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Charleston usually receives less rain than Memphis. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Charleston