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

Should you visit Memphis or Edmonton?

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

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

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Memphis and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Memphis or Edmonton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Edmonton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Edmonton is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Memphis different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis
Edmonton

Edmonton 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 Edmonton can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

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 Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Memphis or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Memphis or Edmonton Better for Music?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Edmonton?

Memphis
Edmonton

Edmonton is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Edmonton. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

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 Edmonton Better for Families?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis and Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly place to visit. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Memphis or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis and Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is a nice destination for couples. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.


Is Memphis or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis is very good for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Memphis or Edmonton Better for Students?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis is very good for students. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Edmonton

Edmonton 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 Edmonton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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 Edmonton a more walkable city?

Memphis
Edmonton

Memphis and Edmonton are notable when it comes to 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.

Edmonton is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Memphis or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Memphis than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Edmonton 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 Edmonton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Edmonton 1-2

One day in Memphis or Edmonton?

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Edmonton, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Memphis or Edmonton?

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Memphis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Edmonton, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Edmonton has to offer.


Five days in Memphis or Edmonton?

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edmonton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Edmonton. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Edmonton 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
    Edmonton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Memphis $199
    Edmonton $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $199, while the average daily cost in Edmonton is $191. 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 Edmonton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Edmonton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Edmonton $202
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Edmonton

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Edmonton? 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 Edmonton


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 Edmonton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Edmonton $79

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG): $120
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels: $120
  • Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Edmonton?

Prices for flights to both Edmonton 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
    Edmonton $27
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 Edmonton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Edmonton are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $7.26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Edmonton $91

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

Tours and Activities in Edmonton

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

  • 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
  • Edmonton City Highlights 2 Hour E-Scooter Tour: $93
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour, E-Bike Upgrade Avail.: $99
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $4.00
  • Edmonton Food Bike Tour: $146
  • Edmonton Food Walk Tour: $102
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $54
  • Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $44
  • Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $62
  • Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • 3-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour With Guide: $4.02
  • City Bike Tour, Highlights and River Valley: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Edmonton -

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group): $103


When comparing the travel costs between Memphis and Edmonton, 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 Memphis Expensive? and Is Edmonton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Memphis. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Edmonton, 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.