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

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, museums, and nightlife. See Memphis travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Chapel Hill and Memphis are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its food, music, and big city activities, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Chapel Hill different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

Chapel Hill is a great town 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 Chapel Hill can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball 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 Chapel Hill or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Memphis is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Chapel Hill or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Chapel Hill and Memphis.

Chapel Hill is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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.

Is Chapel Hill or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is very popular for its music scene. However, Chapel Hill is not a live music destination.

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

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

Chapel Hill has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

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 Chapel Hill or Memphis Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chapel Hill or Memphis.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chapel Hill. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

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 Chapel Hill or Memphis Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chapel Hill and Memphis make for a nice place to visit.

Chapel Hill is a good town for couples to visit. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

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 Chapel Hill or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Chapel Hill or Memphis Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Chapel Hill is a great destination for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

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

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

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill or Memphis a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill and Memphis both are nice when exploring on foot.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable town. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Chapel Hill 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 Memphis.

One day in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

In Chapel Hill, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the creative city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

In Chapel Hill, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chapel Hill has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

Chapel Hill is a great place to explore. 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.

The creative city of Memphis offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chapel Hill. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chapel Hill. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Chapel Hill and Memphis, we can see that Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Chapel Hill during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the summer, Chapel Hill often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Chapel Hill gets 259 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 Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Memphis. Many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chapel Hill in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Memphis. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Chapel Hill can be very cold during winter. In January, Chapel Hill is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 40°F (5°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Chapel Hill is cooler than Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, 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 Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Chapel Hill gets 251 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, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Memphis. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Chapel Hill