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

Should you visit Memphis or Detroit?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Detroit, 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking 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.

Memphis and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit than Memphis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Memphis different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Detroit and Memphis.

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.

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Foodies will find both Memphis and Detroit both to be good 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.

Detroit offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Memphis or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Detroit offers plenty to do in the evening. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Memphis or Detroit Better for Music?

Memphis and Detroit are both destinations where visitors can find amazing 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.

Detroit is a world class music destination. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Detroit?

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

Detroit has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

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 Detroit Better for Families?

Memphis and Detroit are both good 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.

Detroit is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Memphis or Detroit Better for Couples?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Memphis or Detroit Better for Students?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Memphis and Detroit both offer decent 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Memphis or Detroit a more walkable city?

Memphis and Detroit are good 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.

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Detroit?

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

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

One day in Memphis or Detroit?

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 Detroit, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Detroit has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Detroit?

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.

Detroit 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Detroit. 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.

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 Detroit, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Memphis. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

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

In July, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Detroit. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Detroit in the Autumn?

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

Memphis is a little warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°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 Detroit. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Detroit. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit 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 Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In the winter, Memphis is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives more rain than Detroit. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Memphis is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Detroit. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Memphis