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

Should you visit Raleigh or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Raleigh 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a student-friendly, suburban-style, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, museums, and nightlife.

Raleigh and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
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


Is there more to do in Raleigh or Memphis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Raleigh. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Raleigh different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Raleigh or Memphis?

Raleigh
Memphis

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Raleigh or Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

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.


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

Raleigh
Memphis

Both Raleigh and Memphis offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Raleigh or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Raleigh
Memphis

Memphis is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Memphis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Raleigh or Memphis Better for Music?

Raleigh
Memphis

Memphis is very popular for its music scene. However, Raleigh is not a live music destination.

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Raleigh is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Memphis?

Raleigh
Memphis

Memphis is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Memphis Better for Families?

Raleigh
Memphis

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Raleigh or Memphis.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

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 Raleigh or Memphis Better for Couples?

Raleigh
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.


Is Raleigh or Memphis Better for Students?

Raleigh
Memphis

Raleigh is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Raleigh is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Memphis is a good city to visit for students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

Raleigh
Memphis

Memphis is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Memphis a more walkable city?

Raleigh
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Memphis?

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

Families should spend more time in Memphis than Raleigh. 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 Memphis than Raleigh. 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Raleigh 2-3 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Raleigh or Memphis?

In Raleigh, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 nightlife and live music. 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 Raleigh or Memphis?

In Raleigh, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Raleigh has to offer.

In Memphis, you'll find live music and food. 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 Raleigh or Memphis?

Raleigh 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.

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 Raleigh or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Raleigh. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Raleigh. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Raleigh?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $189, 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 Raleigh and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Raleigh $104
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Raleigh $208
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Raleigh 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 Raleigh


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: Raleigh Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Raleigh $37
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:

  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $126
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
  • Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Hot Springs Resorts Arrival Transfer: $143
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $286
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Raleigh or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Raleigh 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
    Raleigh $57
    Memphis $43
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh

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


  • The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)
    $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh

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

  • Private Cooking Class in Durham with an Expert Home Cook: $104

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.
    Raleigh $37
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Raleigh

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

  • Carolina Hurricanes Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PNC Arena: $68
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Chapel Hill, NC: $15
  • Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh: $60
  • Raleigh African American History Tour: $13
  • Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours: $16
  • Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour: $16
  • Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour: $30
  • Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour: $16
  • Raleigh Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • True Crime History Guided Walking Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket: $3.91
  • Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket at FedExForum: $3.98
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street: $6.50
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Downtown In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Raleigh $27
    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 Raleigh and Memphis, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Memphis?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Raleigh or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Raleigh during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Raleigh is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the summer, Raleigh often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Raleigh or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Memphis. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Raleigh is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Raleigh in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Memphis. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Raleigh 61°F (16°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Raleigh or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Raleigh can be very cold during winter. In January, Raleigh is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 40°F (5°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Raleigh 40°F (5°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Raleigh or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Raleigh is cooler than Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. In April, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Memphis. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Raleigh 60°F (16°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Raleigh

Raleigh Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)