A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Memphis for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and Memphis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island 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. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums. See Memphis travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Hilton Head Island and Memphis are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

Memphis is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Memphis.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Memphis has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is terrific for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

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

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

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 Hilton Head Island or Memphis More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Memphis are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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 Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

Is Hilton Head Island or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Memphis is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Memphis a more walkable city?

Memphis is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. 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 popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Memphis has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

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

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Memphis?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Memphis. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Memphis. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Memphis. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Memphis averages at about 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 Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Memphis can be very cold during winter. In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Memphis. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Hilton Head Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city.

Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Hilton Head Island