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

Should you visit Columbus or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and museums.

Columbus 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 Columbus or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Columbus is more popular for its shopping. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Columbus different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus
Memphis

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Columbus or Memphis.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Columbus or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbus
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Columbus
Memphis

Memphis is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Memphis Better for Music?

Columbus
Memphis

Memphis is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital 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.

Columbus is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Memphis?

Columbus
Memphis

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

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus or Memphis Better for Families?

Columbus
Memphis

Columbus is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Memphis Better for Couples?

Columbus
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.


Is Columbus or Memphis Better for Students?

Columbus
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Columbus
Memphis

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Columbus and Memphis.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Memphis a more walkable city?

Columbus
Memphis

Columbus and Memphis are notable when it comes to walkability.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Memphis?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Memphis than Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Columbus 1-2 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Columbus or Memphis?

In Columbus, 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 Columbus or Memphis?

In Columbus, 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Memphis?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbus. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Columbus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, 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 Columbus and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $72
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $144
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Columbus 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 Columbus


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: Columbus Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $50
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66

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 City to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $286
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Hot Springs Resorts Arrival Transfer: $143
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Columbus 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
    Columbus $49
    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.
    Columbus $46
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Columbus

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

  • Columbus Blue Jackets Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Nationwide Arena: $21
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

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: $37
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $535
  • 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
    Columbus $20
    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 comparing the travel costs between Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Columbus or Memphis?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Memphis. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Memphis. Many travelers come to Columbus 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 July, Columbus is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Memphis. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Memphis. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Columbus is cooler than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus 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. Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Memphis. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In April, Columbus is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Columbus usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Columbus

Columbus Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)