A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Memphis for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Tulum and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Memphis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis is more popular for its music and big city activities. Tulum is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Tulum different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum 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, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Tulum has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

People head to Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Memphis offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Tulum or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is terrific for live music. However, Tulum 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.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Memphis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Memphis Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Tulum are among the best in the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Memphis Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a great town for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Memphis?

Tulum is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Memphis Better for Families?

Tulum is a great town 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 Tulum. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area 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 Tulum or Memphis Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Tulum has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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 Tulum or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a city with good options for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

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.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

Tulum is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

While Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Memphis a more walkable city?

Tulum is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Memphis. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Memphis?

In Tulum, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 food and museums that this laid-back 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 Tulum or Memphis?

In Tulum, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Tulum or Memphis?

Tulum is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tulum has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music 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 Tulum or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find live music and food around the soulful 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Memphis, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Memphis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Memphis than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Tulum is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, 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 Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Memphis. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Memphis. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Memphis. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Memphis. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Tulum