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

Should you visit Tampa or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Memphis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Tampa and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


How is Tampa different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Memphis Better for Food?

Tampa
Memphis

For a nice culinary experience, head to Memphis, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.

Memphis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs.

Tampa offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.


Is Tampa or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Memphis

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Memphis.

Memphis has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Memphis Better for Families?

Tampa
Memphis

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Memphis.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Memphis. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Tampa or Memphis Better for Couples?

Tampa
Memphis

With fun activities for couples, both Tampa and Memphis make for a good place to visit.

Tampa is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here.

Is Tampa or Memphis Better for Public Transit?

Tampa
Memphis

Visitors will find public transit in both Tampa and Memphis.

Public transit is quite limited in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Public transit is generally limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates.


Is Tampa or Memphis a more walkable city?

Tampa
Memphis

Tampa and Memphis are similar when it comes to walkability.

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tampa and Memphis. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Tampa is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Memphis is 2-3 days.


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

One day in Tampa or Memphis?

In Tampa, you'll find . 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.

In Memphis, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this soulful destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Memphis?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Memphis?

Tampa 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Memphis. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Tampa or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Many people enjoy the when visiting Tampa. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the creative destination of Memphis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Memphis or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $136, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $134. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Memphis $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Memphis $134
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Memphis $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Tampa Area to Orlando Area Transfer up to 11 One Price Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island: $120
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Private transfer: Memphis to Memphis Airport (MEM): $622
  • Private transfer: Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis: $622
  • Private Transfers: Memphis Airport: $109
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis City to Memphis Airport (MEM) - Departure Private Transfer: $112
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $224
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Tampa 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
    Tampa $34
    Memphis $34

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: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Memphis $36

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Memphis African American History Caravan Guided Tour from Own Vehicle: $56
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • City of Memphis Guided Bus Tour: $31
  • Elvis Memories Sightseeing Tour with Lunch in Memphis: $84
  • Elvis Presley Childhood Home Tour from Memphis: $181
  • Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $16
  • Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Lonely Planet Experiences: Private Walking Tour of Memphis: $185
  • Memphis City Tour with Admission to 1 or 2 Memphis Attractions: $108
  • Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission: $62
  • Memphis Cotton Museum Admission Ticket: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Memphis $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • 2-Hour Private Pedal Tavern Pub Crawl in Downtown Memphis: $800


When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Memphis, we can see that Tampa 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.


When is the best time to visit Tampa 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 Tampa or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Memphis. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The temperature in Tampa is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Memphis stays around 83°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Memphis. Tampa 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
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Memphis. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tampa is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October are around 75°F (24°C), and Memphis is about 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 Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Memphis. Temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Memphis stays around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Memphis. Tampa 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
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tampa is a little warmer than Memphis in the spring. The temperature in Tampa is usually 71°F (22°C) in April, and Memphis stays around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Tampa

Tampa Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°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 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 68°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)


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Tampa vs. Memphis Travel Comparison

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