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

Should you visit Memphis or Sacramento?

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

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

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis and Sacramento: 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 with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Memphis or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis than Sacramento, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Memphis is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Sacramento is known for its museums and shopping. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Memphis different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile 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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Sacramento

Foodies will find both Memphis and Sacramento 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.

Sacramento offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Memphis or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Sacramento

Memphis is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Memphis has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Memphis or Sacramento Better for Music?

Memphis
Sacramento

Memphis is very popular for its live music scene. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Sacramento?

Memphis
Sacramento

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

Sacramento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

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 Sacramento Better for Families?

Memphis
Sacramento

Memphis and Sacramento are both good 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.

Sacramento is a family-friendly place to visit. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Memphis or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Memphis
Sacramento

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.


Is Memphis or Sacramento Better for Students?

Memphis
Sacramento

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Sacramento

Memphis and Sacramento both offer decent 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Memphis or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Memphis
Sacramento

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.


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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Memphis or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Memphis than Sacramento 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 Sacramento.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Sacramento 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 Memphis.


  • How many days in Memphis or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Memphis or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the creative city of Memphis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Memphis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Sacramento, 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 Sacramento has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Sacramento?

Memphis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sacramento. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • 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: $50
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $287
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53
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 Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Sacramento $19

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: $37
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $535
  • 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 Sacramento

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

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Sacramento $12

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 Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Amador County CA: $30
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Sacramento?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

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

In July, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Sacramento. 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 Sacramento for the shopping scene.

Memphis is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the autumn, Memphis often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Sacramento in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In the winter, Memphis is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Memphis

Memphis Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)