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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Memphis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. 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. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums.

Cocoa Beach and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Cocoa Beach and Memphis are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town 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 Cocoa Beach can be an interesting and educational experience. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

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

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Memphis is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Memphis has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Memphis Better for Music?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Memphis is very popular for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

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

Cocoa Beach has a few great resort options. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cocoa Beach. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

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

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Cocoa Beach is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis Better for Students?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Memphis is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.


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

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Memphis

Cocoa Beach and Memphis are nice when it comes to walkability.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Memphis. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town 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 soulful 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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

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

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the soulful 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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The laid-back 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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Cocoa Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, 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 Cocoa Beach and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $43
    Memphis $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $64
  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $75
  • Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
  • Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
  • Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $85
  • Clear Kayak Guided Kayak Tours in Titusville: $65

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: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $430
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Memphis $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39

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: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69


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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Memphis. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Memphis. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Memphis. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)