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

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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.

How is Tampa different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Tampa or Memphis better for Food?

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

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 may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.


Is Tampa or Memphis better for Nightlife?

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 doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Memphis better for Families?

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.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. 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?

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 good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here.

Is Tampa or Memphis better for Public Transit?

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 mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates.


Is Tampa or Memphis a more walkable city?

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 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.

Tampa and Memphis: Pros and Cons

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


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. 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. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the laid-back destination of Memphis. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. 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 $119, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $129. 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 $60
    Memphis $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $120
    Memphis $134

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $38
    Memphis $27

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 $35
    Memphis $39

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

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa 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.

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Tampa vs. Memphis Travel Comparison

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