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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Memphis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Memphis, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and 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. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Augustine and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

Both Memphis and Saint Augustine have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Saint Augustine different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Memphis is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Memphis know how to have a good time. 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Memphis Better for Music?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Memphis is very popular for live music. However, Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Memphis is a world class music destination. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a great city for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Memphis Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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


Is Saint Augustine or Memphis Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a great city 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 Saint Augustine. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Memphis Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a great city for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. 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 Saint Augustine or Memphis Better for Students?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Memphis is a nice place to visit for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.


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

Saint Augustine
Memphis

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

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Memphis a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Memphis

Saint Augustine is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The soulful destination of Memphis offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, 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 Saint Augustine and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • 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 Saint Augustine or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Memphis $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

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.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150
  • Best of St. Augustine with Scenic Cruise: $193

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 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 in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Brews, Blues and BBQ Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Memphis $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63

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: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

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

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Saint Augustine gets 286 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Memphis. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Memphis. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Memphis. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 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, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Memphis. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)