A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Memphis or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Big Sur, 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Memphis and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Big Sur are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. 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 Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. 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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Memphis and Big Sur both to be nice destinations.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Memphis or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Memphis or Big Sur Better for Music?

Memphis is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Big Sur 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.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Memphis or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great natural area for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Big Sur?

Memphis is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Memphis has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Memphis or Big Sur Better for Families?

Memphis and Big Sur 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Memphis or Big Sur Better for Couples?

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

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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 Big Sur Better for Students?

Memphis is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur 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.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Memphis is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Memphis or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Memphis is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its 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.

Big Sur is not a walkable city. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Big Sur. In our opinion, Memphis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Memphis than Big Sur. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

Families should spend more time in Memphis than Big Sur. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Big Sur 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 Big Sur?

In Memphis, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Memphis or Big Sur?

In Memphis, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Memphis has to offer.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Big Sur?

Memphis 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.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Big Sur, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

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

When is the best time to visit Memphis or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Memphis is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the autumn, Memphis is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Memphis usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Big Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. In January, Memphis is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Memphis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Big Sur. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Memphis is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Memphis