A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Music, and Families

Should you visit Memphis or San Francisco?

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

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

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Memphis and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco. Although Memphis and San Francisco are about the same size, San Francisco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Francisco is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Memphis attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. San Francisco is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Memphis different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car 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 Memphis or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Memphis is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Memphis is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Memphis or San Francisco Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

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.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is Memphis or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Francisco. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Memphis or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or San Francisco?

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

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

San Francisco is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

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

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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 San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in San Francisco can get you around easily. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or San Francisco?

Both Memphis and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Memphis. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Memphis or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the soulful 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.

Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 San Francisco?

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.

Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Memphis or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful 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.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Memphis. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Memphis is much warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Memphis is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Memphis usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In January, Memphis is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as San Francisco. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Memphis