Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or New Orleans?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and New Orleans. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or New Orleans?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26New Orleans $239
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $239. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beirut and New Orleans in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26New Orleans $125
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in Beirut and New Orleans
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or New Orleans? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beirut Hotel Prices and New Orleans Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44New Orleans $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans City by SUV: $93
- Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $133
- Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Luxury SUV : $115
- Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer: New Orleans Airport MSY to Cruise Port in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport MSY in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
- Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $47
- Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
- Private Transfer New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Sedan: $76
- Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or New Orleans?
Prices for flights to both New Orleans and Beirut change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBeirut $0.71New Orleans $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
- French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
- The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
- Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
- Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
- French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26New Orleans $55
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $250
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
- Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
- Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
- 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
- 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
- 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
- A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
- Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
- Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
- Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130
- Audio-Guided Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $90
- Automated Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23New Orleans $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
- Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
- Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
- New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
- Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
- Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
- Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
- New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
- True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and New Orleans is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is New Orleans Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or New Orleans?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and New Orleans, 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 Beirut or New Orleans?
New Orleans has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or New Orleans in the Summer?
Both New Orleans and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)New Orleans 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Beirut or New Orleans in the Autumn?
Both New Orleans and Beirut during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.
Beirut is a little warmer than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the autumn, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in October than New Orleans. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)New Orleans 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Beirut or New Orleans in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and New Orleans. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Beirut is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).
Beirut usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Beirut usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)New Orleans 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Beirut or New Orleans in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beirut as well as New Orleans. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Beirut is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the spring, Beirut often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Beirut usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)New Orleans 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for New Orleans and Beirut
| Beirut | New Orleans | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) |
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.