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

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Should you visit New Orleans or Boston?

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 Boston 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. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Boston

Boston is a historic, traditional, and classic classic. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

How is New Orleans different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is New Orleans or Boston better for Food?

Foodies will find both New Orleans and Boston 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans.


Is New Orleans or Boston better for Nightlife?

Both New Orleans and Boston 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.

Boston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events.

Is New Orleans or Boston better for Music?

More people head to New Orleans to see live music than to Boston.

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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is New Orleans or Boston better for its Old Town?

Both New Orleans and Boston 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, Boston offers plenty to see. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Is New Orleans or Boston better for Shopping?

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

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

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops.


Is New Orleans or Boston better for Families?

Boston is considered to a better choice for families.

Boston is a very family-friendly destination. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the history, gardens, and parks around town.

New Orleans is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Boston better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Boston 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.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail.

Is New Orleans or Boston better for Students?

While New Orleans and Boston are both good for students, overall Boston is genreally more popular.

Boston is a very popular classic for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT.

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

Is New Orleans or Boston better for Public Transit?

Boston generally offers a better public transit system than New Orleans.

With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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 New Orleans or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is generally more walkable than New Orleans.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

New Orleans and Boston: Pros and Cons

New Orleans
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Boston
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less active music scene


Should I spend more time in Boston or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Boston?

In either New Orleans or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than New Orleans because of the overall number of sights and activities.

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 Boston is 3-5 days.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Boston? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Boston 3-5

One day in New Orleans or Boston?

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.

Boston is a historic classic where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire area has lots to do.

A weekend in New Orleans or Boston?

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.

Boston is a classic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This classic offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in New Orleans or Boston?

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 here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a traditional classic where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in New Orleans or Boston?

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

Which city is cheaper, Boston 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 Boston is $203. 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 Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Boston $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Boston $264

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Boston $28
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:

  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $26
  • Private Transfer from New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Port: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to MSY: $40
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $40
  • New Orleans Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise to MSY by Executive Sedan: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive SUV: $50
  • Luxury Transfer from New Orleans International Airport to Downtown Hotels: $59
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY or Port - Business Car: $67
  • Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $72

Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Boston City Downtown to Boston Airport (BOS): $69
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Airport (BOS) to City Downtown: $69
  • Transfer from Boston Logan International Airport to Boston: $85
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Boston Airport: $30
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Boston Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Round trip transfer in private vehicle from Boston city -to Boston Airport (BOS): $138
  • Round trip Airport Transfer: Logan - Boston: $181
  • Private transfer: Boston to Boston Airport (BOS): $622
  • Private transfer: Boston Airport (BOS) to Boston: $622
  • Private transfer from or to BOS Boston, MA: $113
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Boston (hotel OR airport pick-up): $132
  • Private Transfer from Boston City to Boston (BOS) Airport: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston 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
    Boston $40

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 Boston

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

  • Boston's North End "Little Italy" Pizza, Cannoli, and Freedom Trail Walking Tour: $49
  • Boston's North End Small-Group Walking Food Tour: $71
  • Fenway Neighborhood Food Tour (Boston): $79
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $81
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Boston North End: $103
  • Spirit of Boston Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $105
  • Boston Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $118
  • Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $122
  • North End Neighborhood Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Boston $26
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 Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • 2-Day Trip Philadelphia City Tour from Boston: $519
  • 6-Day Economy East Coast Tour ( Boston Departure) ( BOAP6E): $448
  • 6-Day Economy East Coast Tour (Boston departure)(BO6E): $448
  • 6-Day Tour East Coast Tour ( Boston Departure) ( BOAP6D): $560
  • 6-Day Tour East Coast Tour (Boston Departure)(BO6): $560
  • 6-Day U.S East Coast Tour (Boston departure) BO6U: $560
  • 7-Days Tour US east coast and Canada tour (Boston Departure) (BO7C): $706
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: Boston Harbor: $44
  • Beer Tour: $80
  • Best of Boston Tour - Private Safe Tour: $185
  • Boston Back Bay Tourist Scavenger Hunt: $36
  • Boston Chocolate Tours w/ Private Tour Option: $204

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Boston $22

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 Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic Pub Crawl Tour along the Freedom Trail: $56
  • Sip of Boston Guided Brewery Tour: $90

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Boston, we can see that Boston 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.

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New Orleans vs. Boston Travel Comparison

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