A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Albuquerque for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Albuquerque?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Albuquerque can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a traditional, cosmopolitan, and cultural town. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

New Orleans and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Albuquerque?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Albuquerque 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, and big city activities, while Albuquerque is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Albuquerque 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. Albuquerque is popular for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Orleans
Albuquerque

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


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

New Orleans
Albuquerque

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albuquerque. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Music?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Albuquerque 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.

Albuquerque is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The historic old town of Albuquerque is revered around the world. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

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.

Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Albuquerque. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Albuquerque?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

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 New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Families?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

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

Albuquerque is a family-friendly town. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

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 New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Albuquerque makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

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 New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Students?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

Both New Orleans and Albuquerque are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Albuquerque is popular with students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.


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

New Orleans
Albuquerque

Visitors will find decent public transit in both New Orleans and Albuquerque.

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 generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Is New Orleans or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Albuquerque

New Orleans and Albuquerque are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

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

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albuquerque due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

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

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


  • How many days in New Orleans or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in New Orleans or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant city of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy town of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


A weekend in New Orleans or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the energetic destination of New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Albuquerque. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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.

Five days in New Orleans or Albuquerque?

The festive city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The outdoorsy town of Albuquerque offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in New Orleans or Albuquerque?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Albuquerque. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $135. 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 New Orleans and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Albuquerque? 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 New Orleans


Hotels in Albuquerque


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 and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Albuquerque $37
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:

  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $207
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
  • Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155
  • New Orleans Round Trip Airport Transfer: $150
  • New Orleans Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $150
  • New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) to Cruise Port - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $148
  • Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

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

  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Round-Trip Transfer: $250
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Private Transfer: $125
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Pagosa Springs Private Transfer: $174
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and New Orleans 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
    New Orleans $45
    Albuquerque $41

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:

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

For Albuquerque, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albuquerque, NM: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Albuquerque $24
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:

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
  • New Orleans Mules in the Marigny Walking Tour: $35
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2-Hour French Quarter Ghost Walking Tour in New Orleans: $40
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
  • A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
  • Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
  • Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Albuquerque.

  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • 4pm - 75 Minute Private Ghost Tour Up To 5 People For All Ages in New Mexico: $108
  • 6pm PRIVATE GHOST TOUR of Old Town - 90 Minutes: $135
  • ABQ Beer Tour: A Curated Craft Beer Experience in the Land of Enchantment: $105
  • ABQ City Guided History Tour: $35
  • Albuquerque Old Town Art Tour with Wine & Museum Admission: $85
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $49
  • Albuquerque Snowshoe Experience: $135
  • Albuquerque’s Family Adventure of A Journey of Discovery: $287
  • Albuquerque’s Family Adventure: A Journey of Discovery: $606

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Albuquerque $20

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Albuquerque, 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.