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

Should you visit Duck or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Duck 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Memphis travel costs.

Duck and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Duck, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Duck is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Duck different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Duck
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Duck
Memphis

Memphis is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Memphis

Memphis is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Memphis Better for Music?

Duck
Memphis

Memphis is renowned for live music. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a live music destination.


Is Duck or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Duck
Memphis

Duck is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Duck or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Duck
Memphis

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

The beaches in Duck are among the best in the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Memphis Better for Hiking?

Duck
Memphis

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

Duck has hiking trails worth exploring. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Memphis?

Duck
Memphis

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck or Memphis More Beautiful?

Duck
Memphis

Duck is a great beach town for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Duck or Memphis Better for Families?

Duck
Memphis

Duck is a great beach 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 Duck. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Memphis Better for Couples?

Duck
Memphis

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

Duck is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Duck
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

Is Duck or Memphis Better for Students?

Duck
Memphis

Memphis is a popular place for students. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not popular with students.


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

Duck
Memphis

Both Duck and Memphis offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Duck or Memphis a more walkable city?

Duck
Memphis

Duck is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Duck?

How long in Duck or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Memphis. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Duck or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Duck or Memphis?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Memphis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Duck or Memphis?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Memphis?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the creative destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The soulful city of Memphis offers nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Duck?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Memphis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Memphis $199

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, while the average daily cost in Memphis is $199. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Duck and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Duck and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Memphis? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Duck


Hotels in Memphis


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Duck change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Duck $78
    Memphis $74

Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Memphis

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.

  • Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket: $3.27
  • Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Game Ticket at FedExForum: $3.36
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Civil Rights Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Memphis Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self Guided Walking Tour of Brews, Blues and BBQ in Memphis: $15
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15
  • Memphis Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Memphis $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $31
  • Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike: $40
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • #1 Way To See Beale Street, Bar Crawl and Murals: $430


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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 1160 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck as well as Memphis. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), 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 Duck this time of the year. In the summer, Duck often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Duck or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Duck in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Duck is around the same temperature as Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) 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 Duck. Duck usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives more rain than Memphis. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Duck or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Duck during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Duck can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Duck is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Duck or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Memphis. The spring months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In April, Duck is generally cooler than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Duck gets 253 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, Duck usually receives less rain than Memphis. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Duck

Duck Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)