A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Attractions

Should you visit Memphis or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Austin, 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.

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 food, museums, and nightlife. See Memphis travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Memphis and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin. Although Memphis and Austin are roughly the same size, Austin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis is more popular for its big city activities. Austin is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Memphis different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin 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 Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Memphis or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Memphis or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin 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 Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Memphis or Austin Better for Music?

Memphis and Austin are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

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.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is Memphis or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Austin?

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

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

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 Memphis or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is adequate for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Austin Better for Families?

Memphis and Austin are both notable destinations for the whole family.

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.

Austin is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Memphis or Austin Better for Couples?

Memphis and Austin are both notable to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Memphis or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin 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 Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Memphis or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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.

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

Memphis and Austin both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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 generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Memphis or Austin a more walkable city?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Memphis. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Memphis or Austin?

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.

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Austin?

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.

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Austin has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Austin?

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.

Austin 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.

A week in Memphis or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the creative 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.

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

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Memphis. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Austin, 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 Memphis or Austin?

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 Memphis or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Austin. The summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the summer, Memphis is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Memphis in July average around 83°F (29°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the summer, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Memphis is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Memphis usually receives less rain than Austin. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Memphis or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Memphis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. Memphis is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

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

Memphis usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Austin. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Memphis is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Memphis in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Memphis usually receives more rain than Austin. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Memphis