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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Memphis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Memphis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. 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 Louis and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Memphis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Memphis than Saint Louis. Memphis is bigger than Saint Louis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Memphis is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and shopping. Saint Louis is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Saint Louis different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Louis or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Memphis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Louis or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Saint Louis or Memphis Better for Music?

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

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Memphis?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Louis or Memphis Better for Families?

Saint Louis 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 Louis. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Louis or Memphis Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Memphis both notable destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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 Saint Louis or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a good destination for students. However, Saint Louis 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 Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

Saint Louis offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Saint Louis or Memphis a more walkable city?

Saint Louis and Memphis both are notable when exploring on foot.

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Memphis. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Memphis. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

One day in Saint Louis or Memphis?

In Saint Louis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Saint Louis or Memphis?

In Saint Louis, you'll find food and shopping. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the creative 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 Saint Louis or Memphis?

Saint Louis 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.

The creative 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 Saint Louis or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Memphis, we can see that Saint Louis 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 Louis Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Memphis?

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

Both Memphis and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°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 Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Memphis. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Saint Louis is cooler than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°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 Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Memphis. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Memphis. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Memphis. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°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 Louis. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 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. It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Memphis. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Saint Louis