A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. Glacier National Park for Backpackers, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Memphis or Glacier National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Glacier National Park, 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 soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Memphis and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Memphis or Glacier National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Glacier National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Glacier National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is the Food Better in Memphis or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Memphis or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis is notable for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Memphis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Memphis or Glacier National Park Better for Music?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis is very popular for live music. However, Glacier National Park is not a live music destination.

Memphis is a world class music destination. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Memphis or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a few great resort options. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a great park for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Glacier National Park for the hiking trails. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Glacier National Park?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

If you're looking to go shopping, Memphis and Glacier National Park both offer plenty of respectable spots.

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.

Glacier National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.


Is Memphis or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis and Glacier National Park are both notable 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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Memphis or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a great park for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Glacier National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Glacier National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Students?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis is a popular place for students. However, Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

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.

Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis and Glacier National Park both offer respectable 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 Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Memphis or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Memphis
Glacier National Park

Memphis is a popular place for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.


For even more information, also check out Is Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Glacier National Park. In our opinion, Memphis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Memphis than Glacier National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Memphis than Glacier National Park. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Glacier National Park 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.


  • How many days in Memphis or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Memphis or Glacier National Park?

In Memphis, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . 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 Glacier National Park has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Glacier National Park?

Memphis is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Glacier National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Glacier National Park?

You'll find live music and food around the creative destination of Memphis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 Glacier National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Glacier National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park or Memphis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Memphis and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Glacier National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Memphis


Hotels in Glacier National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Glacier National Park $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Memphis change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Memphis $43
    Glacier National Park $28
Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glacier National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Glacier National Park.

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Memphis

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.

  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street: $6.50
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Downtown In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Brews, Blues and BBQ Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $220
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $220
  • Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!: $152
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $157
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Half Day Bike and Hike Tour in around Whitefish: $175
  • Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure: $87
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Glacier National Park $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Glacier National Park, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park.

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


Related Articles for Glacier National Park