A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Memphis for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Memphis. While Memphis is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis is more popular for its museums, music, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

Memphis is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Memphis offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Memphis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Memphis has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Memphis is a world class music destination. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

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

Fort Lauderdale has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a good destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Memphis.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Memphis a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Memphis. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Fort Lauderdale 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.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The soulful destination of Memphis offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

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

Both Memphis and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Memphis. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Memphis. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Memphis. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of 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 the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Memphis. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°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 Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 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, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Memphis. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Fort Lauderdale