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

Should you visit Memphis or Sun Valley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Sun Valley, 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 soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Memphis and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Sun Valley, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Sun Valley is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sun Valley and Memphis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Memphis or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for skiing. However, Memphis is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Sun Valley is among the best in the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Memphis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Memphis or Sun Valley?

Memphis is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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

Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Memphis know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Memphis or Sun Valley Better for Music?

Memphis is terrific for live music. However, Sun Valley is not a live music destination.

Memphis is a world class music destination. 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.

Sun Valley is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

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

Sun Valley is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Sun Valley?

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

Sun Valley has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

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 Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley Better for Couples?

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

Sun Valley has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Students?

Memphis is a good destination for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Memphis is popular with students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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

Sun Valley is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

Sun Valley offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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 Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Sun Valley?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Memphis or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the laid-back 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 Sun Valley, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. 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 Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 skiing. 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 Sun Valley?

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.

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley. In Sun Valley, you'll find shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 comparing the travel costs between Memphis and Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Sun Valley?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Sun Valley, 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.