A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Memphis for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nags Head or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Memphis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

It's also popular because of the food.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nags Head and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Memphis?

Nags Head
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Memphis

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Memphis can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Memphis. 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 Nags Head or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Memphis

Memphis is great for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Memphis Better for Music?

Nags Head
Memphis

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital 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.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Memphis?

Nags Head
Memphis

Memphis is adequate for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Memphis Better for Families?

Nags Head
Memphis

Nags Head is a great 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 Nags Head. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Memphis Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Memphis

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Memphis make for a notable place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nags Head or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Memphis

Nags Head 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 Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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 Nags Head or Memphis Better for Students?

Nags Head
Memphis

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

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Memphis

Memphis is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have 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.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Memphis a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Memphis. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Nags Head or Memphis?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. This offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Memphis?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Memphis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nags Head or Memphis?

Nags Head 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 Nags Head has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Memphis?

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

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $167. 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 Nags Head and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Memphis? 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 Nags Head


Hotels in Memphis


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

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

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 Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • 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: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Memphis $43

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.
    Nags Head $14
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

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: $387
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Memphis $26

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 comparing the travel costs between Nags Head and Memphis, 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Memphis, 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 Nags Head or Memphis?

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 Nags Head or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Memphis. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

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

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Memphis. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Nags Head can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Memphis. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Memphis. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In April, Nags Head is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Nags Head usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Nags Head

Nags Head Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)