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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Memphis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Petersburg and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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 with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Memphis than Saint Petersburg. Memphis is bigger than Saint Petersburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Memphis is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. 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 Petersburg different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Petersburg or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Memphis is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Memphis Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Memphis is terrific for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. 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 Petersburg is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Saint Petersburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Petersburg or Memphis Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Petersburg. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Petersburg or Memphis Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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 Petersburg or Memphis Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Memphis is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.


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

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Saint Petersburg and Memphis both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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 Petersburg or Memphis a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Memphis

Memphis is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

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

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

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


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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

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

You'll find live music and food around the soulful destination of Memphis. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

You'll find food and museums around the soulful city of Memphis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

Saint Petersburg 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 popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

Memphis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, 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 Petersburg and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg


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 Petersburg Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $287
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg $49
    Memphis $43
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

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 Petersburg $13
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $37
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $535
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Memphis, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Memphis. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Memphis. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Memphis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Memphis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), 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 Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)