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

Should you visit Memphis or Dallas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Dallas, 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 creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale 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 food.

Memphis and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Dallas?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Memphis than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Memphis, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is more popular for its music, while Dallas is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Memphis different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dallas 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 Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas 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.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Memphis or Dallas Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for its live music scene. However, Dallas is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Memphis 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.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Dallas?

Dallas is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

Dallas is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas Better for Couples?

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

Dallas is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Students?

Memphis is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas a more walkable city?

Memphis is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Dallas?

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

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

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

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

One day in Memphis or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Memphis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Dallas, 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 Dallas?

Memphis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Dallas, 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 Dallas has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Dallas. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. 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 Dallas, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Memphis. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Memphis during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Memphis is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the summer, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Dallas. 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 and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

Memphis is cooler than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Memphis usually receives less rain than Dallas. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Memphis or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Dallas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. In the winter, Memphis is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Memphis often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Memphis is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during spring. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. In April, Memphis usually receives more rain than Dallas. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Memphis