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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Memphis?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Memphis can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Tallahassee and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Memphis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Tallahassee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Tallahassee different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Memphis

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee can be an interesting and educational experience. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital 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 Tallahassee or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Memphis

Memphis is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Memphis

Memphis is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Tallahassee or Memphis Better for Music?

Tallahassee
Memphis

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Tallahassee is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Tallahassee is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Memphis?

Tallahassee
Memphis

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

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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 Tallahassee or Memphis Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Memphis

Both Tallahassee and Memphis are nice to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

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 Tallahassee or Memphis Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Memphis

Memphis is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.


Is Tallahassee or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Memphis

Tallahassee is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Tallahassee or Memphis Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Memphis

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

Tallahassee is a great city to visit as a student. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

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

Tallahassee
Memphis

Tallahassee and Memphis both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Memphis a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Memphis

Memphis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Memphis than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

Families should spend more time in Memphis than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Memphis?

In Tallahassee, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 laid-back 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 Tallahassee or Memphis?

In Tallahassee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Memphis?

Tallahassee 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 laid-back 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 Tallahassee or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallahassee. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    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 Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • 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: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Memphis $43

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.
    Tallahassee $12
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $247
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $482
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $375

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: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $387
  • 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
    Tallahassee $53
    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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Memphis. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Tallahassee or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Memphis. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In January, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Memphis. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Memphis. Additionally, many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, 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 Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Memphis. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)