A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Memphis vs. Banff for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Memphis or Banff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Banff, 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 creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Memphis travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Banff travel costs.

Memphis and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Banff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Banff are both popular with visitors, Memphis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Memphis is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, and big city activities, while Banff is known for its skiing, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Banff is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Memphis or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for skiing. However, Memphis is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Banff is among the best in the world. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Memphis is not a skiing destination.

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

Memphis is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Memphis and Banff both to be very good destinations.

Memphis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Banff makes for a great culinary experience. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

Is Memphis or Banff Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Memphis and Banff.

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.

Banff offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

Is Memphis or Banff Better for Music?

Memphis is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Banff is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Memphis 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.

Banff is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Banff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Banff?

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

Banff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

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 Banff More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is a great 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 Banff. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

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 Memphis or Banff Better for Couples?

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

Banff has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

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 Memphis or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is a great town 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 Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

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 Banff Better for Students?

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

Banff is not popular with students.

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

Banff 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 Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

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 Memphis or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Banff is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Banff?

In either Memphis or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Banff than Memphis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

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

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

One day in Memphis or Banff?

In Memphis, many people enjoy the food and museums that this creative destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Banff is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff 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. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Banff?

Memphis is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Memphis. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Banff?

You'll find live music and food around the creative destination of Memphis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. Since Banff is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Banff?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Banff, 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.