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

Should you visit Memphis or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Chicago, 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. Other popular activities here include food, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Memphis and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Memphis. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Memphis different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chicago has many famous sights for visitors. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

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 Memphis or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Memphis is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Memphis is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago 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 Chicago just to party. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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.

Is Memphis or Chicago Better for Music?

Memphis and Chicago are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

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.

Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Is Memphis or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Chicago specifically to go shopping. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Memphis does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is a very popular destination during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Memphis does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Memphis or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Memphis does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Memphis does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Memphis or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Chicago Better for Couples?

Memphis and Chicago 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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Memphis or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago 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 Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

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 Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Chicago is a great destination for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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 Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago 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 Chicago can get you around easily. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is a very walkable destination. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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 Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Chicago?

In either Memphis or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Memphis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago 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 Chicago.

One day in Memphis or Chicago?

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.

Because Chicago is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Chicago?

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.

Because Chicago is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Memphis or Chicago?

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.

Chicago is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chicago has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Chicago?

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 Chicago. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Chicago. 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 Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Chicago?

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

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 Memphis or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Chicago. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Memphis is a little warmer than Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the summer, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Memphis usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the autumn, Memphis is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Memphis usually receives less rain than Chicago. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Memphis or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Memphis during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Chicago. Many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Memphis is much warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Memphis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chicago. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Memphis