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

Should you visit Memphis or Albuquerque?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Albuquerque, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cultural, outdoorsy, and desert town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Albuquerque travel costs.

Memphis and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Albuquerque?

You'll generally find more things to do in Memphis than Albuquerque. Memphis is bigger than Albuquerque, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Memphis is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Albuquerque is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Albuquerque is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Albuquerque is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Albuquerque can be an interesting and educational experience. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Memphis and Albuquerque both to be great destinations.

Memphis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Albuquerque makes for a great culinary experience. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Is Memphis or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is a great city for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is Memphis or Albuquerque Better for Music?

Memphis is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Albuquerque 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.

Albuquerque is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Albuquerque is revered around the world. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is Memphis or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Albuquerque is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Albuquerque has hiking trails worth exploring. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

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 Memphis or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Memphis and Albuquerque are both notable destinations for the whole family.

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.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is Memphis or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Albuquerque is a great town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Albuquerque is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

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 Memphis or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is Memphis or Albuquerque Better for Students?

For students, both Memphis and Albuquerque are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Albuquerque is a good city to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

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

Memphis and Albuquerque both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Is Memphis or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Memphis and Albuquerque are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Albuquerque is somewhat walkable. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

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

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Memphis or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albuquerque due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Albuquerque 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 Memphis or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the creative city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Albuquerque, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the soulful destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Albuquerque, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albuquerque has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Albuquerque?

The creative city of Memphis offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Albuquerque is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Memphis or Albuquerque?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Albuquerque, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Albuquerque much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Albuquerque would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Albuquerque?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Albuquerque. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Albuquerque, 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.