A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. New Orleans for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

Where Should I go: Havana or New Orleans?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or Havana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    New Orleans Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    New Orleans $271

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $271. 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 Havana and New Orleans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    New Orleans $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in Havana and New Orleans

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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.

Hotels in Havana


Hotels in New Orleans


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: New Orleans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    New Orleans $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $175
  • Boss Nola : Luxury Private Airport Transfer: $90
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • Luxury Private Airport Transfer Service in New Orleans: $50
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $103
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer: $126
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans Port Private Transfer: $63
  • New Orleans Airport One way Transfer to Baton Rouge or Slidell: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or New Orleans?

Prices for flights to both New Orleans and Havana 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Havana $18
    New Orleans $78
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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:

  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $43
  • New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $58
  • Jazz Dinner Cruise aboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans: $60
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $60
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour: Tastes of the Bend Neighborhood: $65
  • New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $72
  • French Quarter walking Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
  • NOLA Carte Food Tour: 300 Years of Flavor in the French Quarter: $96
  • New Orleans Original Seafood Tour of the French Quarter: $100
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    New Orleans $55

Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • 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:

  • New Orleans Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.72
  • French Quarter Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • Bywater Stroll: Explore the Evolving Neighbourhood on a self-guided audio tour: $5.99
  • Ghost Hunt in Quest Experience: $6.63
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $8.99
  • Self-Guided Tour of New Orleans’ Historic French Quarter: $9.99
  • New Orleans French Quarter Audio Tour: Iconic Sites & Hidden Gems: $9.99
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $9.99
  • New Orleans Ghost Tour: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in New Orleans by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • A Spectacular Ghost Tour in New Orleans: $12
  • French Quarter Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour of New Orleans: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    New Orleans $60
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Pub Crawl: French Quarter Haunted History Cocktail Tour: $15
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party with Free Shot: $19
  • New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $25
  • Pub Crawl: New Orleans Cocktail and Ghost Tour: $30
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Pub Crawl: New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour: $33
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: Ghosts & French Quarter Nightlife: $35
  • Pub Crawl: New Orleans Drunk History Ghost Tour with EMF Meter: $35
  • Pub Crawl: The Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales: $35
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $37
  • Pirate Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $40
  • Last Fling in NOLA: Bachelor or Bachelorette Pub Crawl and Tour: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or New Orleans?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Havana or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Havana as well as New Orleans. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Havana usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Havana or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, 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, Havana is generally a little warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In October, Havana usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Havana or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Havana during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Havana is much warmer than New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Havana usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Havana or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and New Orleans. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the spring, Havana is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Havana usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Havana

Havana New Orleans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)