A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Memphis for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit New Orleans or Memphis?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Memphis can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

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 live music, food, and museums.

New Orleans and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Memphis?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Memphis. While Memphis is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Memphis is more popular for its museums. New Orleans is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Memphis?

Memphis is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

People head to New Orleans just to party. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Memphis offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is New Orleans or Memphis Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either New Orleans and Memphis.

New Orleans is known as a music capital around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Is New Orleans or Memphis Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Memphis?

Shoppers can find a variety of respectable stores in both New Orleans and Memphis.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

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.

Is New Orleans or Memphis Better for Families?

Memphis is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Memphis is a family-friendly city. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Memphis Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Memphis are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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 New Orleans or Memphis Better for Students?

Both New Orleans and Memphis are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both New Orleans and Memphis.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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 New Orleans or Memphis a more walkable city?

New Orleans and Memphis are notable when it comes to walkability.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Memphis. In our opinion, New Orleans has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New Orleans than Memphis. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in New Orleans or Memphis?

In New Orleans, you'll find food and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the creative city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Memphis?

In New Orleans, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Orleans has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in New Orleans or Memphis?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The laid-back city of Memphis offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Memphis. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Memphis. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Memphis. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, 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 New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Memphis. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Memphis. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Memphis and New Orleans