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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

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.

Cincinnati and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis than Cincinnati, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Memphis is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cincinnati is known for its museums and shopping. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Cincinnati different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Memphis

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Memphis

Memphis is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Memphis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Cincinnati or Memphis Better for Music?

Cincinnati
Memphis

Memphis is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Memphis?

Cincinnati
Memphis

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

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

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 Cincinnati or Memphis Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Memphis

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Memphis.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

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 Cincinnati or Memphis Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.


Is Cincinnati or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Memphis

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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 Cincinnati or Memphis Better for Students?

Cincinnati
Memphis

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

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Cincinnati
Memphis

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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 Cincinnati or Memphis a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Memphis

Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Memphis than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Cincinnati or Memphis?

In Cincinnati, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Cincinnati or Memphis?

In Cincinnati, you'll find nightlife 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Memphis?

Cincinnati 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.

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 Cincinnati or Memphis?

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

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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, 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 Cincinnati and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

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 Cincinnati or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Memphis $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

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.
    Cincinnati $26
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $16

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
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $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 Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Memphis $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68

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 Cincinnati and Memphis, we can see that Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Memphis in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°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 Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Memphis in the Autumn?

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

In October, Cincinnati is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Memphis. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, 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. Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Memphis in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Memphis. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Cincinnati 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.

In the spring, Cincinnati is cooler than Memphis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°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 Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 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, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Memphis. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)