A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cancun or New Orleans?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and New Orleans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and nightlife.

Cancun and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although Cancun and New Orleans are popular destinations, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Cancun attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cancun is famous for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter.

The French Quarter

How is Cancun different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or New Orleans?

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cancun or New Orleans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cancun and New Orleans.

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New Orleans. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a very popular place for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or New Orleans?

Cancun is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Families?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Cancun is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Cancun is not popular with students.

Is Cancun or New Orleans Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cancun is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Cancun or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in New Orleans. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than New Orleans 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 Cancun.

One day in Cancun or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical city of Cancun. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

New Orleans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the party-hard city of Cancun. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cancun. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cancun or New Orleans?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Cancun 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.