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

Should you visit Memphis or Arlington?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Arlington, 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 laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Arlington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Arlington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Arlington is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington 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 Arlington?

Arlington is a great city 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 Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Memphis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Memphis or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Memphis and Arlington.

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.

Arlington offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Memphis or Arlington Better for Music?

Memphis is terrific for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Arlington?

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

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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 Arlington Better for Families?

Memphis and Arlington are both nice 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.

Arlington is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Memphis or Arlington Better for Couples?

Memphis and Arlington are both nice to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Memphis or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Memphis or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Memphis is a good city to visit for students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

Arlington is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Memphis or Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington 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.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Memphis or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.

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

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

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

One day in Memphis or Arlington?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Arlington, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Arlington?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the soulful destination of Memphis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Arlington, you'll find food 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 Arlington has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Memphis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arlington 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.

A week in Memphis or Arlington?

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arlington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Arlington, we can see that Arlington 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington 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 Memphis Expensive? and Is Arlington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Arlington?

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

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 Memphis or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Arlington. The summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

Memphis is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Arlington. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Arlington. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Memphis is a little warmer than Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Arlington. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Arlington. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.

Memphis is a little warmer than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Arlington. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Memphis