Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Gatlinburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Memphis can help you decide which place is right for you.
Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Gatlinburg travel costs.
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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its food, music, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Memphis and Gatlinburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Memphis is not a skiing destination.
Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.
Memphis is not a skiing destination.
Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Memphis.
Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
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.
Memphis is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent 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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.
Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.
People head to Gatlinburg just to party. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.
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.
Memphis is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg 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.
Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.
Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.
Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.
Memphis is not a resort destination.
Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.
Memphis is not a hiking destination.
Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.
Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.
Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.
Memphis is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.
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.
Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.
Gatlinburg is a great city for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.
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.
Memphis is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.
Memphis is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.
Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.
Memphis is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.
It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.
Gatlinburg is not popular with students.
Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.
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.
Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.
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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gatlinburg and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg than in Memphis. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.
Families should spend more time in Memphis than Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg than Memphis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gatlinburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Gatlinburg 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.
In Gatlinburg, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
With museums and nightlife around the laid-back city of Memphis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Gatlinburg, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gatlinburg has to offer.
With nightlife and live music around the destination of Memphis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $253, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $199. 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 Gatlinburg and Memphis in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg 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.
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.
Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Memphis and Gatlinburg 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:
For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Memphis, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Memphis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Memphis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Memphis 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Memphis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.
Memphis has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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.
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.
Both Memphis and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).
It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Memphis and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Memphis. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Memphis can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).
Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Memphis. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city.
In April, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Memphis. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Gatlinburg | Memphis | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) |
Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |