City in Tennessee, United States
Memphis
Blues, soul, barbecue and civil rights history at a low price for a US city, with a compact downtown. Car dependence, patchy transit, summer heat and higher crime outside the core are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$3,200–4,500Comfortable, one person · $3,200–4,500Details
- Value for money11/100Better value than 10% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 34°CDetails
- Air quality8.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMemphis tap water is drawn from deep wells and is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips, street musicians and barbecue joints that prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Memphis
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown and South Main | Visitors: Beale Street, trolleys, Lorraine Motel, riverfront |
| Midtown (Overton Square) | Cafés, bars, local music and longer stays |
| Cooper-Young | Walkable, arty, restaurants and a Saturday market |
| East Memphis (Poplar corridor) | Quieter, car-based, near hospitals and offices |
Apps that work in Memphis
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Street-hail taxis are rare; book or use an app. Nights and events can mean waits.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips, street musicians and barbecue joints that prefer cash.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Going to Memphis solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Memphis meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) fares
- Memphis International Airport
- Memphis Travel (Visit Memphis)
- National Civil Rights Museum
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.