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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a lively, youthful, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Jacksonville travel costs.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive 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. See New Orleans travel costs.

Jacksonville and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or New Orleans?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Jacksonville. While Jacksonville is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Jacksonville is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area.

The French Quarter

How is Jacksonville different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Is Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for Music?

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

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Jacksonville attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or New Orleans?

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for Families?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

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 Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and New Orleans both notable destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or New Orleans Better for Students?

Both Jacksonville and New Orleans are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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

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

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and New Orleans are notable when it comes to walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. 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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and New Orleans. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than New Orleans. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Jacksonville. 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.

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the live music and food that this vibrant city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the youthful destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or New Orleans?

The under-rated city of Jacksonville offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

New Orleans is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, 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 Jacksonville and New Orleans, we can see that Jacksonville 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or New Orleans?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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 October, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Orleans. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and New Orleans. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as New Orleans. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Jacksonville