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

Should you visit Wilmington or Memphis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Memphis, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic 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.

Wilmington and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Memphis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Memphis than Wilmington. Memphis is bigger than Wilmington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Memphis is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Wilmington is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Wilmington is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Wilmington different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Wilmington or Memphis.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Wilmington or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Wilmington and Memphis offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Memphis. 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 Wilmington or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a live music destination.

Is Wilmington or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a great city for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Memphis Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Memphis?

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

Wilmington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington or Memphis Better for Families?

Wilmington is a great 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 Wilmington. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Memphis Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Memphis Better for Students?

For students, both Wilmington and Memphis are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington or Memphis a more walkable city?

Wilmington and Memphis are notable when it comes to walkability.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Memphis?

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

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

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Memphis?

In Wilmington, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the creative city of Memphis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Memphis?

In Wilmington, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wilmington has to offer.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Memphis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wilmington or Memphis?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wilmington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wilmington and Memphis, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In July, Wilmington is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°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 Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Memphis. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Wilmington is around the same temperature as Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°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 Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Memphis. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Wilmington is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Memphis. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Memphis. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Wilmington is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Wilmington usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Wilmington