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

Should you visit Islamorada or Memphis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Memphis, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Islamorada 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.

Islamorada and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Islamorada, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Islamorada is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Islamorada is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Islamorada different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Islamorada
Memphis

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Islamorada or Memphis.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Islamorada or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Memphis

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Islamorada and Memphis.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Memphis. 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 Islamorada or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Memphis

Memphis is a great city for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or Memphis Better for Music?

Islamorada
Memphis

Memphis is renowned for live music. However, Islamorada is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital 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.

Islamorada is not a live music destination.


Is Islamorada or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Memphis

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

Islamorada has a few great resort options. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Memphis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Memphis

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Memphis

Islamorada is a great village for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Memphis is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Memphis?

Islamorada
Memphis

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

Islamorada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

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 Islamorada or Memphis More Beautiful?

Islamorada
Memphis

Islamorada is a great village for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Memphis Better for Families?

Islamorada
Memphis

Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or Memphis Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Memphis

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

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Islamorada
Memphis

Memphis is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

Is Islamorada or Memphis Better for Students?

Islamorada
Memphis

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

Islamorada is not popular with students.


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

Islamorada
Memphis

Memphis is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known 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 Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Memphis a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Memphis

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Islamorada Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Memphis?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Memphis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Islamorada 4-7 
    Memphis 2-3

One day in Islamorada or Memphis?

In Islamorada, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the soulful city of Memphis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Islamorada or Memphis?

In Islamorada, 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.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Memphis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Islamorada or Memphis?

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

Memphis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. In Islamorada, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Islamorada?

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

  • Islamorada Prices
    USA Prices
    Memphis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Islamorada $179
    Memphis $199

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $179, 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 Islamorada and Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Memphis

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada 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 Islamorada


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: Islamorada Hotel Prices and Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    Memphis $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamorada or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis and Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $81
    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.
    Islamorada $19
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

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

  • 2 Hour Private Eco-Tour: $950
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Sandbar: $950
  • Private Snorkel & Sandbar Adventure: $599

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $88
  • A Self Guided Walking Tour of Brews, Blues and BBQ in Memphis: $15
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $102
  • From Elvis Presley Birthplace and Park Guided Tour: $215
  • From Official Elvis Birthplace Tour of Tupelo: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise: $85
  • Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale: $33
  • Memphis 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour: Beyond Beale: $33
  • Memphis 3.5h Walking Tour with Beale Street & Sun Studio: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In July, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Memphis. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Memphis. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Memphis. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Memphis. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 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 Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Islamorada

Islamorada Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)