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

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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Fort Lauderdale and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less popular with couples


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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Food?

Fort Lauderdale
Memphis

Both Fort Lauderdale and Memphis offer a number of unique 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.

Memphis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Memphis

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. 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.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Shopping?

Fort Lauderdale
Memphis

Shopping is a popular activity in both Memphis and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

If you're looking to go shopping, Memphis has some nice offerings. 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
Memphis

Both Fort Lauderdale and Memphis are family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities the kids will be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Memphis Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Memphis

Fort Lauderdale offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than Memphis.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Memphis a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Memphis

Fort Lauderdale and Memphis both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

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 Memphis.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Memphis is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Memphis 2-3

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 laid-back destination of Memphis offers live music and food. 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 food and nightlife. 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 live music and food 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.

Which city is cheaper, Memphis or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $146, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $134. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $77
    Memphis $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $154
    Memphis $134
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $41
    Memphis $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $851
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $754
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Orlando: $750
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral: $710
  • Private Ft Lauderdale to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $699
  • Party Bus Limo Sprinter Transfer Service things to do Miami Beach #dreamridellc: $450
  • Fort Lauderdale Transfer Luxury Suv: $281
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $274
  • Private transfer from or to MIA , FLL airports and Miami & Lauderdale FL: $250
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $246
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $229
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $197

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $112
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $224
  • Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) - Departure Private Transfer: $112
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Transfers: Memphis Airport: $109
  • Private transfer: Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis: $622
  • Private transfer: Memphis to Memphis Airport (MEM): $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $39
    Memphis $34
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

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: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $12
    Memphis $36

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • 1 Hour Central Park Guided Electric Bike Tour: $49
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 2 Hour Fort Lauderdale Guided Electric Bike Tour: $60
  • 2 Hour Venice Of America Jet Ski Adventure & Exploration Tour of Fort Lauderdale: $225
  • 3 Hour All Inclusive 007 Millionaires Row Jet Ski Adventure Fort Lauderdale: $307
  • 5-Day Miami+Key West+Palm Beach+Fort Lauderdale Tour (Miami Departure)(MIA5-A): $579
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $139
  • Airport to Cruise Shuttle Private Group Transportation: $580
  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Champagne Sunset Cruise Ft. Lauderdale: $58

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Cotton Museum Admission Ticket: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Skip the Line: Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket: $15
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $16
  • Memphis Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Memphis Mojo Bus Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $27
    Memphis $21
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

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

  • 2-Hour Private Pedal Tavern Pub Crawl in Downtown Memphis: $800


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.


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 music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

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 shopping scene and the music scene.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 78°F (26°C) in October, and Memphis stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

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 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 are around 67°F (20°C), and Memphis is 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

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.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Memphis stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)


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Fort Lauderdale vs. Memphis Travel Comparison

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