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

Should you visit Memphis or Virginia Beach?

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

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

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Memphis and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Memphis or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis than Virginia Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Memphis is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. 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 Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Memphis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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 Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach Better for Music?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis is terrific for its live music scene. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.


Is Memphis or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Virginia Beach?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Memphis has some nice offerings. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Memphis or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a great coastal city 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 Virginia Beach. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis and Virginia Beach are both good to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Virginia Beach is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

For students, both Memphis and Virginia Beach are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Virginia Beach is a good city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.


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

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Memphis
Virginia Beach

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Virginia Beach?

Both Memphis and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Memphis. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

Couples should spend more time in Memphis than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Memphis or Virginia Beach?

In Memphis, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. 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 Virginia Beach?

Memphis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the city of Memphis. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


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, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Virginia Beach $39

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: $287
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $50

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Virginia Beach $21

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 Virginia Beach

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

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Virginia Beach $11

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Virginia Beach, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Memphis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Memphis than you might in Virginia Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Memphis Expensive? and Is Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Virginia Beach?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach 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 and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In July, Memphis is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area.

Memphis is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Virginia Beach. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Virginia Beach. Many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In the winter, Memphis is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

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

In April, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Memphis

Memphis Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)