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

Should you visit Memphis or Hood River?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Hood River, 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums. See Memphis travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Hood River travel costs.

Memphis and Hood River: 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
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Memphis or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Memphis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Memphis is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Hood River is known for its skiing, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hood River is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. 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 Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Memphis or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Memphis
Hood River

Hood River is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Memphis is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Memphis is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Memphis or Hood River?

Memphis
Hood River

Memphis is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Memphis
Hood River

Foodies will find both Memphis and Hood River 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, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Memphis or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Hood River

Memphis is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Memphis has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is Memphis or Hood River Better for Music?

Memphis
Hood River

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Hood River is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Hood River

Hood River is a great town for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hood River for the hiking trails. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Hood River?

Memphis
Hood River

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

Hood River has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon 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 Hood River More Beautiful?

Memphis
Hood River

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

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Hood River Better for Families?

Memphis
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

Memphis
Hood River

Hood River is a great town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hood River is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River Better for Students?

Memphis
Hood River

Memphis is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Hood River is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Hood River

Memphis and Hood River both offer decent 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.


Is Memphis or Hood River a more walkable city?

Memphis
Hood River

Memphis is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Hood River?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Memphis or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in Memphis or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the laid-back 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.

In Hood River, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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 Hood River?

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.

In Hood River, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Hood River has to offer.


Five days in Memphis or Hood River?

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.

Hood River is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Hood River. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River 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
    Hood River Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Memphis $199
    Hood River $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $199, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $174. 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 Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Hood River? 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 Hood River


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 Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Hood River $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River 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
    Hood River $70
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.
    Memphis $45
    Hood River $18

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

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Hood River $19

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 Memphis and Hood River, 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 Hood River Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Hood River?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Memphis or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Hood River. Many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Hood River. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Hood River. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Memphis is a little warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Hood River. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hood River in the winter. The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In the winter, Memphis is around the same temperature as Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Hood River. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hood River for the natural beauty.

In April, Memphis is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Memphis

Memphis Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)