Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Memphis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Memphis or Honolulu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Honolulu, 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.
Where Should I go: Memphis or Honolulu?
Memphis
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for the blues, soul, and Rock 'n' Roll music that originated there. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks like Elvis Presley's Graceland dedicated to that history, while areas of the city like Beale Street keep the musical culture alive today with a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants, and live music.
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMemphis $167Honolulu $284
The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $284. 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 Honolulu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMemphis $84Honolulu $183
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMemphis $168Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Honolulu
Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Honolulu? 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.
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 and Honolulu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Memphis $59Honolulu $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis
Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
- Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $282
- Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
- Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
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Airport Shuttle for Two$30
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Hilton Parking$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu International Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $271
- Arrival Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by SUV: $211
- VIP Transfer: Ko Olina to Honolulu Airport or Vice Versa: $199
- Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $181
- HNL Airport & Waikiki Private Transfer by Brand New Mercedes Van: $160
- Arrival Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by Executive Car: $157
- Oahu: 3 Ziplines and Coral Crater Tour with Transfer: $147
- Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(up to 14ppl): $140
- VIP Transfer Between Waikiki & Honolulu Airport, /vice versa: $136
- VIP Transfer Between Waikiki and Honolulu Airport, Vice versa: $135
- Honolulu Private Transfer from/to Airport,Port (1-12 Passengers): $110
- Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Waikiki by Sedan: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Honolulu?
Prices for flights to both Honolulu 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
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Food Meals for one dayMemphis $43Honolulu $53
Typical Food Prices in Memphis
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:
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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
Typical Food Prices in Honolulu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
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Dinner for Two$73
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Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream$5.55
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Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)$53
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Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)$34
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Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)$7.50
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Hot Dog with the Fixins'$8.30
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Sushi Dinner for Two$73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
- Lanai Tabura curated Aloha Plate Hawaii Food Tour from Honolulu: $208
- Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Memphis $45Honolulu $40
Tours and Activities in Memphis
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.
- 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
- Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
- Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
- Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
- Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
- Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $387
- Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
- Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
- From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
- Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Parking for Hike$5.00
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Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two$12
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2 hr Dinner Cruise$85
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1 Day Kayak Rental$36
Tours and Activities in Honolulu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $80
- 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $200
- 1 Hour Private Luxury Classic Car Sightseeing City Tour Honolulu: $138
- 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
- 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide and Ocean Playground Cruise: $113
- 5 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $190
- 5 Hour Small Group Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu: $145
- 5-Star Oahu Sightseeing with local food & shrimp plate included: $133
- 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
- 6 Zipline Tour at Coral Crater Adventure Park with Trans: $235
- 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour: $275
- Afternoon Honolulu City Tour: $144
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMemphis $26Honolulu $6.47
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: $59
- Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $62
Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:
- Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu 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 Honolulu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Memphis or Honolulu?
Memphis has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Honolulu, 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 Honolulu?
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 Honolulu in the Summer?
Both Honolulu and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.
In the summer, Memphis is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Memphis in July average around 83°F (29°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMemphis 83°F (29°C)Honolulu 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Memphis or Honolulu in the Autumn?
Both Honolulu and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Memphis is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).
In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the autumn, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.
Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Honolulu. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMemphis 64°F (18°C)Honolulu 80°F (26°C)
Should I visit Memphis or Honolulu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Honolulu. Many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. Memphis is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Memphis usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMemphis 40°F (5°C)Honolulu 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Memphis or Honolulu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Honolulu. Most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Memphis is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Memphis in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the spring, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.
Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMemphis 64°F (18°C)Honolulu 76°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Honolulu and Memphis
| Memphis | Honolulu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 64°F (18°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| May | 72°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (29°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.