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

Should you visit Cancun or Memphis?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Memphis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cancun travel costs.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums. See Memphis travel costs.

Cancun and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Memphis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Memphis are both popular with visitors, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis is known for its food, music, and big city activities. Cancun is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

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How is Cancun different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cancun is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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 Cancun or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Memphis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Cancun or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Cancun 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 Cancun just to party. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Memphis. 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.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Cancun or Memphis Better for Resorts?

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

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Memphis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Memphis Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Memphis Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Memphis?

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

Cancun has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

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 Cancun or Memphis More Beautiful?

Cancun is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cancun or Memphis Better for Families?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun or Memphis Better for Couples?

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

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Memphis is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Cancun or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Cancun 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 Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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 Cancun or Memphis a more walkable city?

Cancun 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.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Memphis. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

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

One day in Cancun or Memphis?

In Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Memphis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Memphis?

In Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Memphis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Memphis?

Cancun 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 Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the soulful destination of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and Memphis, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Cancun 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.