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

Should you visit Memphis or Minneapolis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Minneapolis, 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative 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 Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Memphis or Minneapolis?

Both Minneapolis and Memphis have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Memphis is more popular for its music, while Minneapolis is known for its museums and shopping. Minneapolis is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Memphis different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Minneapolis

Foodies will find both Memphis and Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Memphis or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Minneapolis

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

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.

Minneapolis offers plenty to do in the evening. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Memphis or Minneapolis Better for Music?

Memphis
Minneapolis

Memphis is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Minneapolis?

Memphis
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis Better for Families?

Memphis
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Memphis
Minneapolis

Memphis and Minneapolis are both good to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Minneapolis is a nice destination for couples. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.


Is Memphis or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Memphis
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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.

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

Memphis
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Memphis
Minneapolis

Memphis and Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.


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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Minneapolis?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Memphis or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Minneapolis, you'll find food and shopping. 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 shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Minneapolis has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Minneapolis?

The laid-back city of Memphis offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Minneapolis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Private Transfer from Memphis International Airport to Memphis : $147
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $284
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Hot Springs Resorts Arrival Transfer: $142
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40
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 Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Minneapolis $27

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

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $687
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Minneapolis $24

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 Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Minneapolis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

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

In July, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Minneapolis. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Memphis is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°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 Minneapolis. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Minneapolis. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Minneapolis in the Winter?

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

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In the winter, Memphis is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Memphis is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Memphis

Memphis Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)