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

Should you visit New Orleans or Beaufort?

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 Beaufort 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 vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Beaufort 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 Beaufort is known for its museums, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaufort 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 Beaufort?

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

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is New Orleans or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is renowned for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is New Orleans or Beaufort Better for Music?

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

New Orleans is a world class music destination. 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.

Beaufort is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a town with good options for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Both New Orleans and Beaufort have high quality 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Beaufort?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

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 Beaufort Better for Families?

Neither New Orleans nor Beaufort are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

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. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Beaufort doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is New Orleans or Beaufort Better for Couples?

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

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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 Beaufort Better for Students?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

New Orleans is a good city to visit for students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is New Orleans or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. 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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Beaufort Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Beaufort. In our opinion, New Orleans has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New Orleans than Beaufort. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans than Beaufort 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 New Orleans or Beaufort?

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Beaufort?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Beaufort?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Beaufort is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Beaufort?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

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

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 Beaufort Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Beaufort?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Beaufort, 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 New Orleans or Beaufort?

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 Beaufort in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Beaufort. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the summer, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans usually gets less rain in July than Beaufort. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In the autumn, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Beaufort. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Beaufort in the Winter?

Both Beaufort and New Orleans during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Beaufort. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Beaufort. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Beaufort. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Beaufort in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Beaufort during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Beaufort. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and New Orleans