A Travel Price Comparison for Tennessee Chattanooga vs. Memphis for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Chattanooga or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Memphis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 food, museums, and nightlife.

Chattanooga and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Memphis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Chattanooga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its hiking and shopping. Chattanooga is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Chattanooga different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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 Chattanooga or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Chattanooga and Memphis can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chattanooga area. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Memphis. 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 Chattanooga or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Memphis know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Chattanooga or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Chattanooga is not a live music destination.

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.

Chattanooga is not a live music destination.

Is Chattanooga or Memphis Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great city for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Memphis?

Chattanooga is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Chattanooga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

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 Chattanooga or Memphis Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chattanooga or Memphis.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Chattanooga or Memphis Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chattanooga and Memphis make for a nice place to visit.

Chattanooga is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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 Chattanooga or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a popular place for students. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

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

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga or Memphis a more walkable city?

Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Memphis?

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

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

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

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

One day in Chattanooga or Memphis?

In Chattanooga, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Memphis?

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

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Memphis?

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

The creative city of Memphis offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chattanooga or Memphis?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Chattanooga gets 265 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 Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Memphis. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Memphis. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. In January, Chattanooga is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 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. It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Memphis. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Chattanooga