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

Should you visit Memphis or Sonoma?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Sonoma, 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 laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a scenic, serene, and relaxing county. Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Sonoma travel costs.

Memphis and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Sonoma?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Sonoma are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, and big city activities, while Sonoma attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Sonoma is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Memphis is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. 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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

Sonoma 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, Sonoma is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Memphis and Sonoma.

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.

Sonoma offers plenty to do in the evening. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

Is Memphis or Sonoma Better for Music?

Memphis is terrific for its music scene. However, Sonoma is not a live music destination.

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.

Sonoma is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Sonoma is a great county for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Sonoma is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Sonoma is a great county for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Sonoma. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Memphis or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Sonoma is a great county for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sonoma for the hiking trails. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Sonoma?

Sonoma is a great county for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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 Sonoma More Beautiful?

Sonoma is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Sonoma Better for Families?

Memphis and Sonoma are both nice 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.

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Memphis or Sonoma Better for Couples?

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

Sonoma has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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 Sonoma Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sonoma is not known for 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.

Sonoma is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget hotel options in the area, but not much in the form of hostels.

Is Memphis or Sonoma Better for Students?

Memphis is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sonoma is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Sonoma is not popular with students.

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

Memphis is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Memphis or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Memphis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its 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.

Sonoma is not a walkable city. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

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

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Memphis or Sonoma. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sonoma due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Sonoma.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Sonoma 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.

One day in Memphis or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This county 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 Sonoma?

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 Sonoma, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sonoma has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Sonoma?

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.

Sonoma is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the soulful 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 Sonoma. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Sonoma. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Sonoma?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Memphis and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Sonoma for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Memphis is a little warmer than Sonoma in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Sonoma in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Memphis is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Sonoma averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Memphis usually gets more rain in October than Sonoma. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Sonoma. Many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Memphis is generally much colder than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Sonoma. Most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Memphis is a little warmer than Sonoma in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Sonoma. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Memphis