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

Should you visit Memphis or Kennebunkport?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Kennebunkport, 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Memphis or Kennebunkport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Kennebunkport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Kennebunkport is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. 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 Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis
Kennebunkport

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.


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

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kennebunkport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Memphis is great for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Memphis or Kennebunkport Better for Music?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Memphis is very popular for live music. However, Kennebunkport is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital 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.

Kennebunkport is not a live music destination.


Is Memphis or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Kennebunkport has hiking trails worth exploring. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Kennebunkport?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a great town 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 Kennebunkport. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Students?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Memphis is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.


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

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Memphis and Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Memphis or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Memphis
Kennebunkport

Memphis and Kennebunkport are notable 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.

Kennebunkport is somewhat walkable. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Kennebunkport?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Memphis or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Memphis or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kennebunkport is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 Kennebunkport?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kennebunkport has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Kennebunkport is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

You'll find live music and food around the city of Memphis. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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, Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport is $220. 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 Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport


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 Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Kennebunkport $49

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 Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Kennebunkport $21

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: $430
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Kennebunkport $31

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 Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Kennebunkport?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 420 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Memphis is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Memphis in July average around 83°F (29°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Kennebunkport. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Kennebunkport. The winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kennebunkport in the winter. The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Memphis is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Kennebunkport. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Memphis is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Memphis in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Kennebunkport. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Memphis

Memphis Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)