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

Should you visit Columbia or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Columbia and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Columbia or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis than Columbia, 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 Columbia is known for its shopping. Memphis is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbia
Memphis

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Columbia and Memphis.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. 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 Columbia or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Columbia
Memphis

Memphis is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Memphis offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Memphis Better for Music?

Columbia
Memphis

Memphis is renowned for its live music scene. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Memphis?

Columbia
Memphis

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

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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 Columbia or Memphis Better for Families?

Columbia
Memphis

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbia or Memphis.

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

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

Is Columbia or Memphis Better for Couples?

Columbia
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.


Is Columbia or Memphis Better for Students?

Columbia
Memphis

Columbia and Memphis are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

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

Columbia
Memphis

Both Columbia and Memphis offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia or Memphis a more walkable city?

Columbia
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.


For even more information, also check out Is Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Memphis?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Memphis than Columbia. 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 Memphis than Columbia 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 Memphis.


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

One day in Columbia or Memphis?

In Columbia, 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.

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Memphis?

In Columbia, 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 Columbia has to offer.

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Memphis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Memphis?

Columbia 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 is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Columbia or Memphis?

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

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Columbia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, 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 Columbia and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Columbia 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 Columbia


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: Columbia Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $287
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Columbia 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
    Columbia $5.03
    Memphis $43

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.
    Columbia -
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket: $3.91
  • Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket at FedExForum: $4.03
  • 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
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $88
    Memphis $26

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia and Memphis, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Memphis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Memphis than you might in Columbia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbia Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Columbia or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Memphis. Many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbia is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Memphis averages at about 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 Columbia this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for 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 October, Columbia is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), 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 Columbia. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbia 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. Columbia is much warmer than Memphis in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Memphis. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In the spring, Columbia is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°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 Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Columbia gets 273 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, Columbia usually receives less rain than Memphis. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Columbia

Columbia Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)