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

Should you visit Memphis or Richmond?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Richmond, 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 laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Richmond?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Richmond. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Richmond is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its cultural and historical sights. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Richmond 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 Richmond can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Memphis and Richmond both to be nice 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.

Richmond offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Memphis or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Memphis or Richmond Better for Music?

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

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Richmond is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Richmond?

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

Richmond has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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 Richmond Better for Families?

Memphis and Richmond are both nice 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Memphis or Richmond Better for Couples?

Memphis and Richmond are both nice 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Memphis or Richmond Better for Students?

For students, both Memphis and Richmond are nice places to visit.

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

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

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

Memphis and Richmond both offer reasonable 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Memphis or Richmond a more walkable city?

Memphis and Richmond are nice 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.

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Memphis or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Memphis than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

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

One day in Memphis or Richmond?

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Richmond, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Richmond?

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Memphis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Richmond, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Richmond has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Richmond?

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Richmond 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 Richmond?

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Richmond. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Richmond. 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 comparing the travel costs between Memphis and Richmond, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Richmond?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Memphis or Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Memphis during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Richmond because of the family-friendly experiences.

Memphis is a little warmer than Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the summer, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

Richmond gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Memphis usually gets less rain in July than Richmond. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Richmond. The autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

In the autumn, Memphis is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during autumn. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Memphis usually receives less rain than Richmond. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Memphis or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Richmond. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in January than Richmond. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city.

Memphis is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during spring. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. In April, Memphis usually receives more rain than Richmond. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Richmond and Memphis