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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Memphis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Memphis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

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 food, museums, and nightlife. See Memphis travel costs.

Atlantic City and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, and big city activities, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Atlantic City is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Atlantic City different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Memphis?

Memphis is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Memphis makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is a world-class destination for live music. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City has a beach worth visiting. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Memphis?

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

Atlantic City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

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 Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Families?

Memphis is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Memphis both notable destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Memphis are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Atlantic City or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a good destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Memphis is popular with students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Memphis a more walkable city?

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Memphis. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Memphis. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Atlantic City or Memphis?

In Atlantic City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Memphis?

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Memphis?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful destination of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Atlantic City or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Atlantic City. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 city of Memphis. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Atlantic City is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Memphis. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Atlantic City is cooler than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Memphis. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Memphis. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In the winter, Atlantic City is much colder than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city.

In April, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), 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 Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. In April, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Memphis. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Atlantic City