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

Should you visit Memphis or Roanoke?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Roanoke, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Memphis and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Roanoke?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Roanoke. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking and shopping. Roanoke is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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 Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Memphis is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Memphis or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Memphis or Roanoke Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for its music scene. However, Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great town for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Roanoke?

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

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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 Roanoke Better for Families?

Memphis and Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Memphis or Roanoke Better for Couples?

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

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor 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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke Better for Students?

Memphis is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Memphis and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Memphis or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Memphis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Roanoke. In our opinion, Memphis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Memphis than Roanoke. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

One day in Memphis or Roanoke?

In Memphis, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Roanoke?

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

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Roanoke has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Roanoke?

Memphis 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.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Memphis and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Roanoke?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke 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 Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Memphis is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Memphis is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Roanoke in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In January, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Roanoke. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Memphis is a little warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Roanoke. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Memphis