Which city is cheaper, Albuquerque or New Orleans?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Albuquerque for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families
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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. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is a desert, historic, and traditional town. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.
New Orleans and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons
New Orleans
Pros- Good nightlife
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular for shopping
- Less family-friendly
Albuquerque
Pros- Good for shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular for nightlife
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.
Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Food?
New Orleans
Albuquerque
Foodies will find both New Orleans and Albuquerque both to be unique destinations.
Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.
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
The nightlife vibe is much better in New Orleans than Albuquerque.
People head to New Orleans just to party. 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.
Albuquerque has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls.
Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?
New Orleans
Albuquerque
Both New Orleans and Albuquerque have historic old towns worth visiting.
New Orleans is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.
With a famous historical old-town, Albuquerque offers plenty to see. The city has 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.
Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Shopping?
New Orleans
Albuquerque
While New Orleans and Albuquerque are both popular shopping destinations, overall Albuquerque is considered to be better.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items.
If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around malls and chain stores.
Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Families?
New Orleans
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is considered to a better choice for families.
Albuquerque is a very family-friendly destination. 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.
Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Couples?
New Orleans
Albuquerque
Both New Orleans and Albuquerque are good destinations for a couple's getaway.
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.
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.
Is New Orleans or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit?
New Orleans
Albuquerque
Visitors will find 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.
Is New Orleans or Albuquerque a more walkable city?
New Orleans
Albuquerque
New Orleans and Albuquerque are similar 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.
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.
The ideal length of time for a trip to New Orleans is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Albuquerque is 2-4 days.
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How many days in New Orleans or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of StayNew Orleans 2-3Albuquerque 2-4
One day in New Orleans or Albuquerque?
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the festive 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 traditional 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 festive 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 historic 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 vibrant 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 traditional town of Albuquerque offers shopping 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.
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 nightlife and food 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $191Albuquerque $108
The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $191, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $108. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and Albuquerque in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $100Albuquerque $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $200Albuquerque $110
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New Orleans $41Albuquerque $29
Typical Local Transportation prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer: New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans: $622
- LimoBus New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $400
- 28 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $267
- New Orleans Round Trip Airport Transfer: $256
- Private Roundtrip Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive Sprinter: $250
- 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $237
- 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $227
- Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
- 14 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $203
- 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
- Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $139
- One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque
Also for Albuquerque, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Albuquerque to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): $622
- Private Transfer: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Albuquerque: $622
- Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $49
- Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $81
- Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $88
- Albuquerque International Airport One Way Transfer: $48
- Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
- Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $88
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
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Food Meals for one dayNew Orleans $36Albuquerque $33
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 Cooking Class: $34
- New Orleans Lunch & Lesson: Cajun & Creole Cooking Class: $35
- French Quarter Food Tour: $42
- New Orleans Food Tour: $44
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $50
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise with Optional Dinner: $52
- Dinner at Tujague's Restaurant in New Orleans: $68
- New Orleans French Quarter Food Tour: $69
- French Quarter Food Tour: $75
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $75
- French Quarter Food Tour: $75
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $75
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: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.New Orleans $44Albuquerque $20
Typical Entertainment prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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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:
- 2 Nights in French Quarter Hotel, City Tour and Attraction Pass: $565
- 2-Hour French Quarter and Cemetery Tour: $20
- 5 in 1 New Orleans Cemetery Tour: $20
- 8-in-1 Combo Haunted Walking Tour in New Orleans: $27
- A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $120
- A Locals' French Quarter Tour: $120
- A Taste of Jazz, Bars & Drinks Private Tour: $108
- A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $5.34
- Adults Only - Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo, & Vampire Tour: $17
- Adults Only Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Walking Tour: $27
- American Adventure: Uptown Bike Tour in New Orleans: $50
- Antique car chauffeured tour of New Orleans and/or transportation service: $60
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
- ABQ NM Film locations Tour, tour your favorite movies/shows filmed in ABQ: $45
- Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Guided Family Walking Tour: $599
- Turquoise Museum Admission Ticket: $20
- Breaking Bad RV Tour, visiting locations from Breaking Bad and Better call Saul: $80
- Breaking Bad RV Virtural Tour: $13
- Georgia on My Mind: Georgia O'keeffe and Ghost Ranch Country Tour: $395
- Guided Bicycle Nature Tour of Albuquerque - Daily: $69
- Mezcla de Culturas A Walking Tour of ABQ Sawmill District & Historic Old Town: $75
- New Mexico Flavors Tour Of Old Town Albuquerque: $124
- New Mexico Mines, Wild West Towns and Turquoise Trail Tour from Albuquerque: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew Orleans $48Albuquerque $16
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- New Orleans Bar Hunt: New Orleans Ballin' Bar Crawl: $12
- Big Easy Ghost and Vampire Pub Crawl: $20
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $22
- New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $25
- Haunted New Orleans Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
- NOLA Distillery Tour: $28
- Pub Crawl & Historical Chronicles Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Tour: $35
- Frenchmen Street Live Music Pub Crawl: $48
- Frenchmen Street VIP Live Music Pub Crawl: $49
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.
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