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

Should you visit Islamorada or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or New Orleans, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Islamorada and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although Islamorada and New Orleans are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Islamorada is known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Islamorada and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

The French Quarter

How is Islamorada different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Islamorada is a village with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

Is Islamorada or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is renowned for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is renowned for live music. However, Islamorada is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Islamorada is not a live music destination.

Is Islamorada or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a village with good options for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

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

Islamorada is a village 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 Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Islamorada attract visitors from all over. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Islamorada or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great city for its historic old town. However, Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or New Orleans?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

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 Islamorada or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Islamorada is an extremely popular village to visit for families. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Islamorada is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or New Orleans a more walkable city?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or New Orleans?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Islamorada than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing village of Islamorada. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With food and nightlife around the fun-filled city of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or New Orleans?

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

With nightlife and live music around the destination of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Islamorada or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Islamorada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this village.

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada or New Orleans?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamorada or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and New Orleans. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as New Orleans. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Islamorada is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Islamorada receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than New Orleans. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Islamorada during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

Islamorada is a little warmer than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Islamorada