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

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Should you visit Miami or Memphis?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Memphis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

How is Miami different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Miami or Memphis better for Food?

Picking the best between Miami and Memphis can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is known for its Stone Crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie.

Memphis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs.


Is Miami or Memphis better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Memphis.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene.

Is Miami or Memphis better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Memphis.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

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.

Is Miami or Memphis better for Shopping?

Most people pick Miami for the shopping over Memphis.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases.

Memphis has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Miami or Memphis better for Families?

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Memphis.

Miami doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Because it's so big, you'll find some kid-friendly options in the area. There are kid-friendly museums and activities around the city.

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.


Is Miami or Memphis better for Couples?

Both Miami and Memphis are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be.

Memphis is a good beach city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here.

Is Miami or Memphis better for Public Transit?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Memphis.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates.

Is Miami or Memphis a more walkable city?

Miami and Memphis both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Miami and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Miami
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
Memphis
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping


Should I spend more time in Memphis or Miami?

How long in Miami or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Memphis than Miami.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Miami is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Memphis is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Miami or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Miami or Memphis?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Memphis, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this soulful destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Miami or Memphis?

Because Miami 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. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Memphis?

Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Memphis is a fun place to experience. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the soulful destination of Memphis. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Memphis or Miami?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $165, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $129. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $106
    Memphis $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $212
    Memphis $134

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $32
    Memphis $27
Typical Local Transportation prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Roundtrip transfer from Miami International Airport to Key West: $1,500
  • Private Transfer from Miami Cruise Port to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $913
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $913
  • Private Transfer from Miami City to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $913
  • Private Transfer from Miami City to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $871
  • Private Transfer from Miami Cruise Port to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $871
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $871
  • Private Miami to Orlando Transfer for up to 11 - One Price - Mercedes Sprinter: $799
  • Private Transfer from Miami Cruise Port to Port Canaveral: $790
  • Private Transfer from Miami City to Port Canaveral: $790
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Port Canaveral: $790
  • Transfer from Miami Beach to Orlando: $780

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $112
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $224
  • Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) - Departure Private Transfer: $112
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Transfers: Memphis Airport: $109
  • Private transfer: Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis: $622
  • Private transfer: Memphis to Memphis Airport (MEM): $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Miami 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
    Miami $33
    Memphis $39
Typical Food prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • Little Havana Street Food Tours: $61
  • Haitian Cooking Experience: $85
  • Private Little Havana Cuban Food Tour: $99
  • Private VIP Historical Citywide Food Tour: $159

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: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $25
    Memphis $36

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Cigar Factory Tour": $35
  • 1 Hour Private Helicopter Tour of Miami and South Florida: $518
  • 1-Day Key West Tour ( Miami Departure ) ( MIA1-B ): $138
  • 1-Day Miami+Everglades Naitonal Park Tour ( Miami Departure )( MIA1-A ): $80
  • 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
  • 10-Day Surf Adventure from Brisbane to Sydney Including Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Gold Coast: $2,371
  • 2 Hour Cycle Boat Tour: $50
  • 2-hour boat tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $195
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Sailboat Tour for up to 6 Complimentary beverages, snacks: $550
  • 3-hour tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $248
  • 3.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $35
  • 30 Minute Private Luxury Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Miami: $299

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Cotton Museum Admission Ticket: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Skip the Line: Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket: $15
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $16
  • Memphis Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Memphis Mojo Bus Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $18
    Memphis $21
Typical Alcohol prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • 2-Hour Private Pedal Tavern Pub Crawl in Downtown Memphis: $800

About these numbers

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

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Miami vs. Memphis Travel Comparison

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