Nashville Or Memphis: Which City Is For You?

Tennessee living is all about family, faith, and food. But each city in the Volunteer State has its own ups and downs to consider. Whether you’re planning a move to Tennessee, or just planning to pass through, here is how two of the state’s largest cities compare.

For Families

Both Nashville and Memphis have family-friendly museums, great restaurants, parks and plenty to see and do. Both are rich in culture and diversity. The population in Memphis has been steadily decreasing; whereas the booming real estate market in Nashville keeps the city growing. Nashville has continued to be one of the highest ranked U.S. cities for economic growth. When it comes to education, neither city ranks among the top in the nation, but Nashville test scores are almost 50% higher than those in Memphis.

For Couples

For Food

Memphis is known for its barbecue, Nashville for its spicy chicken. However, you’ll find both of these specialties in both cities, and neither one is better than the other. Southern food is quite delicious all across the board, so you won’t be disappointed with the food selection in either Tennessee city. Many restaurants are family owned, providing menus full of items made from scratch. Popular sides that are often served with southern dishes include mac ‘n cheese, collard greens, sweet potato fries and cornbread. No matter which southern location you end up dining at, you will not leave hungry or dissatisfied.

For the Budget-Conscious

The cost of living in Memphis is definitely more manageable for those on a budget. To maintain the same standard of living, you would need to earn just over $43,000 a year in Memphis, compared to at least $50,000 in Nashville. Incomes in Nashville are 27% higher than in Memphis, however, the median home price in Nashville is 73% higher than in Memphis. The cost of amenities and living is approximately the same in both cities, with Nashville ranking slightly higher overall.

For Live Music

Much like the food scenes in Nashville and Memphis, the music communities are just as competitive. In Memphis, there’s world-famous Beale Street, where you’ll find B.B. King’s Blues Club and other venues. Nashville has streets downtown full of honky tonks, as well as other places to hear live music throughout the city. One downside to Memphis is that other than Beale Street, there isn’t much of a nightlife. Nashville, on the other hand, has pockets where there are bars full of college students and other establishments that stay open late for entertaining guests.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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