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

Should you visit Orlando or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.

Orlando and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Memphis?

Both Memphis and Orlando have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, resorts, and shopping, while Memphis is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities. Orlando is more touristy than Memphis and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Orlando different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Memphis?

Memphis is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Memphis Better for Theater?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Memphis is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Memphis is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orlando and Memphis.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Memphis. 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 Orlando or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for live music. However, Orlando is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital 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.

Orlando is not a live music destination.

Is Orlando or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Memphis?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Memphis Better for Families?

Orlando 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.

Orlando is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Memphis Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Memphis make for a notable place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Memphis Better for Students?

For students, both Orlando and Memphis are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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.

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

Orlando and Memphis both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or Memphis a more walkable city?

Memphis is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Memphis?

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

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

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

In Orlando, 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.

In Memphis, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Memphis?

In Orlando, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Memphis, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Memphis has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Memphis?

Orlando 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.

Memphis 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 Orlando or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando or Memphis?

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 Orlando or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Memphis. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Orlando is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Memphis. Most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Memphis. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Memphis. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Orlando