A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Memphis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Memphis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Charlotte or Memphis?

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Memphis

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for the blues, soul, and Rock 'n' Roll music that originated there. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks like Elvis Presley's Graceland dedicated to that history, while areas of the city like Beale Street keep the musical culture alive today with a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants, and live music.

Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Charlotte?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, 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 Charlotte and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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 Charlotte


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by SUV: $187
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT by SUV: $168
  • Private Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Private Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $148
  • Charlotte Douglas Int. Airport One-Way Transfer to /from Charlotte: $148
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by Sedan car: $144
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT Sedan Car: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $284
  • Memphis Airport Private Black Car Transfer: $278
  • Private Transfer from Memphis International Airport to Memphis : $148
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Hot Springs Resorts Arrival Transfer: $143
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Memphis?

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

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


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

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: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2 Hours African American History E-Bike Tour in Charlotte: $79
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $17
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $23
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • City of Memphis Guided Bus Tour: $40
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • Elvis in Memphis Private Tour including Graceland Tickets: $430
  • From Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $99
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85
  • Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $27
  • Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Memphis $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

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: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Memphis, we can see that Charlotte 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.

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Memphis?

Memphis is bigger, and its population is about 9% larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the population of Charlotte vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Charlotte or Memphis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charlotte or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Memphis. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Memphis. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Memphis can be very cold during winter. In January, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Memphis. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Memphis. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Charlotte

Charlotte Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Charlotte vs. Memphis Travel Comparison

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