Memphis is a laid-back city known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Memphis and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Memphis?
You should plan to spend around $199 per day on your vacation in Memphis. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $74 on meals
- $59 on local transportation
- $167 on hotels
A one week trip to Memphis for two people costs, on average, $2,786. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,393
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,786
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One Month
Per person
$5,970
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One Week
For a couple
$2,786
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,572
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One Month
For a couple
$11,940
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Memphis cost?
A one week trip to Memphis usually costs around $1,393 for one person and $2,786 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Memphis on average costs around $2,786 for one person and $5,572 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Memphis will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Memphis on average costs around $5,970 for one person and $11,940 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Memphis expensive to visit?
Memphis is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Memphis to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $86 per day, mid-range travelers spend $199 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $393 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Memphis.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Memphis is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Greensboro or Roanoke.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Memphis Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Memphis?
The average Memphis trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Memphis travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Memphis cost?
Memphis on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$36
|
$84
|
$163
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$23
|
$59
|
$154
|
|
Food 2
|
$33
|
$74
|
$131
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$20
|
$45
|
$86
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-17
|
$13-39
|
$25-74
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Memphis, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $86 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Memphis offers plenty of hostels, including Hostel Memphis. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Memphis, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Memphis. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $199 per person, per day.
In Memphis, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. River Inn of Harbor Town is a great choice for families, and Courtyard Memphis Downtown is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Memphis.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $393. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Memphis
Memphis offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $121, but during peak summer season, they can average $226. Prices range from $84 to $321, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Memphis for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $167. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $84 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Memphis? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Memphis include:
- The Guest House at Graceland starting at $170
- Hyatt Place Memphis Wolfchase starting at $136
- Residence Inn Memphis Downtown starting at $190
- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Memphis-Wolfchase Galleria starting at $127
- Homewood Suites Memphis Germantown starting at $142
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Memphis
Unfortunately, Memphis does not provide a solid public transit network. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.
Memphis is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $59 per person, per day, on local transportation in Memphis. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Memphis is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$59
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Memphis Airport Transfers for $60 details
- Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM for $72 details
- Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM for $72 details
How much does it cost to go to Memphis? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Memphis will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Memphis
Don't overlook the delicious food in Memphis. Make sure you take some time to savor all the local specialties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Memphis can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Memphis is $74 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Memphis is around $74 ($74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $33 to $131. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Memphis are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Memphis is famous for its food as well as its music. Memphis-style barbecue has become well-known due to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest held each May, which has been listed in Guinness World Records as the largest pork barbecue contest in the world. The meat is cooked in two varieties: “wet” (with spicy, tangy sauce) or “dry” (rubbed with spices before cooking). Other examples of Southern home cooking that abound in Memphis include fried chicken, catfish, country ham, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, cornbread, fried pickles, and banana pudding. Often classified as Soul food, these dishes and other favorites like po'boy, hush puppies, and mac and cheese are widespread. As a major city, Memphis also has a plethora of restaurants serving international fare as well, from Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Filipino to Italian, Venezuelan, Cuban, and even West African.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Memphis, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour for $75 details
Food and meal prices in Memphis, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
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Baskin Robins (for 2)
$6.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Memphis
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Memphis, as it is known for its music, food, nightlife, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Memphis typically cost an average of $45 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$45
Most visitors staying in Memphis come to experience its musical culture, both past and present. With figures like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash all having recorded albums at the Sun Studio, it is no wonder it's considered to be the birthplace of rock' n' roll. Presley's Graceland mansion is an especially popular attraction, open for tours of the musician's estate, which includes costumes, gold records, a car museum, private jets, and more, as well as Presley's final resting place. It is also the best place to purchase Elvis Presley souvenirs. Other music landmarks include the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music, all of which feature unique insight into the culture and history of Memphis's musical legacy.
Other non-musical attractions worth visiting include the National Civil Rights Museum, the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art, and the Ornamental Metal Museum. Even the Mississippi River draws tourists to the outskirts of Memphis. Mud Island River Park, for example, contains a museum of the Mississippi River and a scale model of the river that visitors can wade through. There is even a large pool at the end of the river model representing the Gulf of Mexico that visitors can paddleboat in. Additional closer to nature attractions include the Memphis Zoo, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, and Shelby Farms city park which features 4,500 acres with biking and horse trails, bodies of water for fishing and boating, and a few playgrounds.
The music and food culture of Memphis dominates the tourism scene of the city. Many come to sightsee important historic landmarks, visit museums, and experience the local culture of Memphis today. May is an especially popular time to visit, largely known as the Memphis in May International Festival, though it consists of multiple festivals and events. Some of these include the Beale Street Music Festival which showcases over 40 musicians on multiple stages for three days the first weekend in May, and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest where hundreds of teams compete for over $100,000 in prizes. Visitors can sample championship barbeque and the festivities end with a fireworks display.
Music:
Memphis has a well-known music scene that draws a sizable crowd. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Memphis is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Memphis True Crime Tour for $41 details
- Memphis Music & More: Private Car Tour Extravaganza for $150 details
- Memphis History & Heritage: Private Half-Day Walking Tour for $225 details
Nightlife Budget in Memphis
In Memphis, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $26 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Memphis per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$26
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Memphis. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour for $69 details
- Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis for $31 details
- Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl for $27 details
Traveling in Memphis
Memphis, Tennesse
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for the blues, soul, and Rock 'n' Roll music that originated there. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks like Elvis Presley's Graceland dedicated to that history, while areas of the city like Beale Street keep the musical culture alive today with a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants, and live music.
Neighborhoods & Around
Downtown Memphis is a hub for visitors as well as much of the city's local population. Beale Street is the downtown's entertainment district. Known as the "Home of the Blues" it is a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, and gospel, and covers three blocks of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and shops. South Main, just south of Beale Street, is a charming historic neighborhood of the downtown area. Home to the arts district, South Main features trendy shops, restaurants, art galleries, and some of the city's oldest buildings. Midtown is another thriving center, featuring its own Broad Avenue Arts District, historic Cooper-Young neighborhood, Overton Square, and Overton Park which encompasses the Memphis Zoo, Memphis College of Art (MCA), the Brooks Art Museum, the Overton Park Golf Course, and the largest strand of old growth forest in a U.S. city.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.