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

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Should you visit New Orleans or Austin?

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 Austin 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 fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

New Orleans and Austin: Pros and Cons

New Orleans
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Austin
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less walkable


How is New Orleans different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Food?

New Orleans
Austin

Foodies will find both New Orleans and Austin 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.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There is amazing Texas barbecue, excellent Mexican food, and diverse food trucks.


Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Austin

Both New Orleans and Austin have similar vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. Popular bars and clubs include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Music?

New Orleans
Austin

It can be fun to see live music in either New Orleans and Austin.

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.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Shopping?

New Orleans
Austin

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both New Orleans and Austin.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around malls and chain stores.

Austin offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Families?

New Orleans
Austin

Both New Orleans and Austin are fun to visit with kids.

New Orleans is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes.


Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Austin

Both New Orleans and Austin 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Students?

New Orleans
Austin

Both New Orleans and Austin are popular destinations for students.

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

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students to experience and enjoy.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Public Transit?

New Orleans
Austin

Visitors will find public transit in both New Orleans and Austin.

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 Austin.

Is New Orleans or Austin a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Austin

New Orleans is generally more walkable than Austin.

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

Austin is not a walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around.


Should I spend more time in Austin or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Austin. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

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 Austin is 2-3 days.


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

One day in New Orleans or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entrepreneurial city of Austin. 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 Austin?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. 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.

Five days in New Orleans or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The eccentric city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. 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 Austin?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the festive destination of New Orleans. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Austin or New Orleans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $191, while the average daily cost in Austin is $114. 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 Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Austin $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Austin $90
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Austin

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Austin? 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 Austin


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 Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Austin $38
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
  • 14 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $203
  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $227
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $237
  • 28 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $267
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $114
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $105
  • Departure Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY or Port - Business Car: $67
  • Departure Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY or Port by SUV: $76
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $139
  • LimoBus New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $400
  • Luxury Transfer from New Orleans International Airport to Downtown Hotels: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109
  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin 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 $36
    Austin $28

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 Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Secret Food Tour: $90
  • Austin Food Tour by Bus with Live Band On Board: $93
  • Austin Beer and Food Tour by Bike: $97
  • Private Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin: $103
  • East Austin Urban Farms & Brewery Food Tour by Bike: $106
  • Wood Fired Dinner Series at the Austin Winery: $159
  • Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Austin $22
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 City Park Private Tour and Exploration Game: $3.72
  • Your new addiction! The best women’s shoe shopping experience in NOLA!: $5.00
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Metairie Cemetery Stories Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Walking the Tremé: A Self-guided Audio Tour of New Orleans: $5.34
  • Bywater Stroll: Explore the Evolving Neighbourhood on an Audio Walking Tour: $5.40
  • Beyond the French Quarter: New Orleans Off the Beaten Path Audio Tour: $5.40
  • New Orleans Virtual Self-Paced Guided City Tour: $5.99
  • One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour: $10
  • Skip the Line: Historic House Tour Ticket: $10

Typical Entertainment prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 48-Hour Austin Hop-On Hop-Off Blue Line City Tour: $45
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure: $62
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Austin City Landmarks and Taco Tour by Bike: $97
  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $69
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $71
  • Austin Electric Minibike Adventure Tour: $77
  • Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $59
  • Austin Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $81
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $33
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Austin $23

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • More than a Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tours through East Austin via Motorized Pedicab: $40
  • Austin Pedicab Brewery Tour with Beer Flights Included Option: $46
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $81
  • Private Texas Hill Country Half-Day Wine Tour from Austin: $140
  • Texas Hill Country Wine Tour by Limousine: $175
  • Customizable Austin Distillery and Brewery Tour: $206
  • Half-Day Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Austin with Tastings: $240

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit New Orleans or Austin?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Orleans or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Austin stays around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the summer, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Austin. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Austin. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Austin. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the autumn, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October are around 69°F (21°C), and Austin is about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Austin. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Austin stays around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Austin. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 68°F (20°C) in April, and Austin stays around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Austin. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and New Orleans

New Orleans Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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