A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Fort Lauderdale, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Fort Lauderdale is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter.

The French Quarter

How is Fort Lauderdale different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

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

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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 Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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 Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is a good destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is mostly 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 Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

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

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

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

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

One day in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

The vibrant destination of New Orleans offers live music and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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.

The city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as New Orleans. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as New Orleans. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale