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

Should you visit Memphis or Bar Harbor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Bar Harbor, 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Memphis travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Memphis and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Memphis or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Memphis is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Foodies will find both Memphis and Bar Harbor both to be high quality 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, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Memphis is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal 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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Music?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Memphis is terrific for live music. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.


Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

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

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

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

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Bar Harbor?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around 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 Memphis or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

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

With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Memphis and Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.


Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Memphis is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Memphis or Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Memphis is a city with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.


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

Memphis
Bar Harbor

Memphis and Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Memphis or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Memphis
Bar Harbor

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Bar Harbor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Memphis or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the creative 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.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. This coastal 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 Bar Harbor?

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.

Bar Harbor 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bar Harbor has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Bar Harbor?

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.

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Memphis?

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

  • Memphis Prices
    USA Prices
    Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Memphis $199
    Bar Harbor $243

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $199, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Memphis and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Bar Harbor? 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 Memphis


Hotels in Bar Harbor


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 and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Bar Harbor $35

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 Memphis or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Memphis 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
    Memphis $74
    Bar Harbor $98
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

Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Bar Harbor $39

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $700
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33
  • Acadia Fat tire Ebike Tours: $190
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike: $427
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bar Harbor Premium Driving Tour With Thunder Hole & Acadia: $159
  • Bar Harbor Premium Tour with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia Park: $149
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Bar Harbor $30

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


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Bar Harbor?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Memphis during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Memphis is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Memphis in July average around 83°F (29°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Memphis usually gets less rain in July than Bar Harbor. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Memphis is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Memphis usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. Memphis is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Memphis usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Memphis is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Memphis in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Memphis. In April, Memphis usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Memphis

Memphis Bar Harbor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)