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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and New Orleans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Dubai and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or New Orleans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than New Orleans. Dubai is bigger than New Orleans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is better known for its skiing, museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Orleans is more popular for its food, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or New Orleans Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, New Orleans is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

New Orleans is not a skiing destination.

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

Dubai 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 Dubai. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Dubai and New Orleans.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Dubai or New Orleans Better for Music?

Dubai and New Orleans are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. 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.

Is Dubai or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

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

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

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

Dubai is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or New Orleans?

Dubai is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Dubai. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or New Orleans Better for Families?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very family-friendly destination. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and New Orleans are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. 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 Dubai or New Orleans Better for Students?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Dubai 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.

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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 Dubai or New Orleans a more walkable city?

New Orleans is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or New Orleans?

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or New Orleans?

Dubai is a opulent city where you can fill many days. 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.

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or New Orleans?

Dubai is a modern big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or New Orleans?

Dubai is a glamorous city where you can fill many days. 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.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or New Orleans?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the festive destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Dubai and New Orleans, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dubai is in Middle East and New Orleans is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or New Orleans?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and New Orleans. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as New Orleans. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Dubai is generally a little warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than New Orleans. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Dubai is much warmer than New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the spring, Dubai is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Dubai