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

Should you visit Memphis or Sedona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Sedona, 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Sedona

Sedona is a striking, desert, and dramatic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Memphis or Sedona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Sedona are both popular with visitors, Memphis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Memphis is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Sedona is known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sedona is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis
Sedona

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Sedona 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.

Sedona is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.


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

Memphis
Sedona

Sedona is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sedona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

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 Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Sedona

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

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. 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 Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Memphis or Sedona Better for Music?

Memphis
Sedona

Memphis is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not a live music destination.


Is Memphis or Sedona Better for Resorts?

Memphis
Sedona

Sedona is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Sedona is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Memphis
Sedona

Sedona is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Sedona has an old town worth visiting. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is Memphis or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Sedona

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

Many visitors go to Sedona for the hiking trails. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Sedona?

Memphis
Sedona

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

Many people travel to Sedona specifically to go shopping. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona Better for Families?

Memphis
Sedona

Sedona is a great town 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 Sedona. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

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 Sedona Better for Couples?

Memphis
Sedona

Sedona is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Sedona has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of 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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Sedona

Sedona 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 Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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 Sedona Better for Students?

Memphis
Sedona

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

Sedona is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Sedona

Memphis and Sedona 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.


Is Memphis or Sedona a more walkable city?

Memphis
Sedona

Memphis and Sedona 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.

Sedona is somewhat walkable. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Sedona?

In either Memphis or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona than Memphis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Memphis or Sedona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Sedona 3-5

One day in Memphis or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Memphis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sedona is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This town 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 Sedona?

Memphis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Sedona?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sedona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sedona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the creative destination of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Sedona. Since Sedona is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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, Sedona 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 Sedona is $165. 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 Sedona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Sedona $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Sedona $186
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Sedona

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Sedona? 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 Sedona


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 Sedona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Sedona $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Sedona?

Prices for flights to both Sedona 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
    Sedona $48
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 Sedona

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

  • The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $119
  • Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $241
  • Cooking class and candlelit dinner with a view: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Sedona $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: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $430
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sedona

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sedona.

  • Private 4-Hour Sedona Spectacular Journey and Vortex Tour: $289
  • Sedona Soul Tour with Shamanic Guide: $295
  • 3-Hour Sedona Spirit Journey and Vortex Tour : $222
  • Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park Sedona, Arizona Experience: $300
  • Antelope Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend Scenic Tour from Sedona & Flagstaff: $285
  • Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Small-Group Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff: $285
  • Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona: $285
  • Antelope Slot Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Sedona: $285
  • Best Sightseeing tour in Sedona Vortex and THE CITY VIP : $164
  • Best UFO Tour of Sedona: $110
  • Chuck Wagon Supper & Western Stage Show at Blazin' M Ranch Ticket: $74
  • Colorado Plateau on 4x4: 2-Hour Tour from Sedona: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Sedona $13

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: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69

Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona

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

  • Elevated Social Wine Tours of Sedona's Vineyards : $85
  • Bliss Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour with Lunch Included: $115
  • All inclusive Sedona Join in Wine Tour 200+ 5 star reviews!: $179
  • Tastings Included! EXPRESS PRIVATE ELEVATED WINE TOUR: $199
  • Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour in Arizona: $235
  • Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Sedona?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Sedona, 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.