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

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Should you visit Orlando or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

How is Orlando different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Orlando or Memphis better for Food?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine in both Orlando and Memphis.

The food selection is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. Restaurants can be challenging though, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Memphis better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is comparable in Orlando and Memphis.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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

Is Orlando or Memphis better for Shopping?

Orlando often provides a better shopping experience than Memphis.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia.

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 Orlando or Memphis better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Orlando than Memphis.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more.

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 Orlando or Memphis better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Memphis make for a good place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together.

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


Is Orlando or Memphis better for Public Transit?

Orlando and Memphis both offer public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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

Is Orlando or Memphis a more walkable city?

Memphis is generally more walkable than Orlando.

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.

Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

Orlando and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Orlando
Pros
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less walkable
Memphis
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly


Should I spend more time in Memphis or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Memphis?

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

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


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

One day in Orlando or Memphis?

In Orlando, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Memphis, you'll find food and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This 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 Orlando or Memphis?

In Orlando, you'll find food and shopping. 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.

In Memphis, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Memphis has to offer.


Five days in Orlando or Memphis?

Orlando 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 great place to explore. 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.

A week in Orlando or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Which city is cheaper, Memphis or Orlando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $240, 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 Orlando and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $112
    Memphis $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $224
    Memphis $134

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $48
    Memphis $27
Typical Local Transportation prices in Orlando

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


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

  • Private transfer from or to MIA FLL MCO airports and Orlando FL: $1,000
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Beach: $904
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami City: $871
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Cruise Port: $871
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Airport: $871
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Saint Simons Island: $871
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Miami Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $834
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Miami accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $834
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Cape Coral: $796
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Fort Lauderdale: $754
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: Orlando to Clearwater Beach: $750
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Fort Myers: $671

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Orlando 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
    Orlando $50
    Memphis $39
Typical Food prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando: $34
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Dinner and Show Ticket: $50
  • The Rock Dinner Show in Orlando: $51
  • Food Tour of Celebration: $55
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando: $57

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.
    Orlando $163
    Memphis $36
Typical Entertainment prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

  • 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $193
  • A Walk Around Lake Eola Audio Tour: $6.65
  • Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando: $59
  • Central Florida Everglades and Safari Park Tour: $129
  • Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket: $20
  • Chef Nite Dining Experience: $150
  • Clearwater Beach Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Lunch: $149
  • Clearwater Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure with Lunch: $115
  • Clearwater Beach Speedboat Adventure with Lunch: $95
  • Clermont: Clay Shooting Experience: $102
  • Clermont: Trophy Bass Fishing Experience with Expert Guide: $294
  • Comb Jelly Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Memphis African American History Caravan Guided Tour from Own Vehicle: $56
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • City of Memphis Guided Bus Tour: $31
  • Elvis Memories Sightseeing Tour with Lunch in Memphis: $84
  • Elvis Presley Childhood Home Tour from Memphis: $181
  • Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $16
  • Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Lonely Planet Experiences: Private Walking Tour of Memphis: $185
  • Memphis City Tour with Admission to 1 or 2 Memphis Attractions: $108
  • Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission: $62
  • Memphis Cotton Museum Admission Ticket: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $24
    Memphis $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Florida Craft Beer & Brewery Tour: $65

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 Orlando and Memphis, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Memphis.

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Orlando vs. Memphis Travel Comparison

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