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

Should you visit Ocean City or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Memphis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Memphis travel costs.

Ocean City and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Ocean City and Memphis are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, and big city activities, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Ocean City different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Memphis?

Memphis is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Memphis is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Memphis is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Memphis are very good when it comes to partying.

Ocean City offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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.

Is Ocean City or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a great city for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Memphis?

Both Ocean City and Memphis are reasonable shopping destinations.

Ocean City has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

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 Ocean City or Memphis Better for Families?

Ocean City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Memphis Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a great city for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Ocean City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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 Ocean City or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Ocean City or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Both Ocean City and Memphis offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get 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.

Is Ocean City or Memphis a more walkable city?

Memphis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Memphis. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Memphis?

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Ocean City or Memphis?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in Ocean City or Memphis?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Ocean City or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Memphis, 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 Ocean City or Memphis?

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 Ocean City or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Memphis. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is cooler than Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Ocean City is cooler than Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Ocean City during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Memphis. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Ocean City is cooler than Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Memphis. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Ocean City