Which city is cheaper, Boston 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. 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.
New Orleans and Boston: Pros and Cons
New Orleans
Pros- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- 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
- Less active music scene
How is New Orleans different from Boston?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boston and New Orleans. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is New Orleans or Boston Better for Food?
New Orleans
Boston
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.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Boston. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans.
Is New Orleans or Boston Better for Nightlife?
New Orleans
Boston
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.
The people in Boston know how to have a good time. 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?
New Orleans
Boston
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?
New Orleans
Boston
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?
New Orleans
Boston
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 offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops.
Is New Orleans or Boston Better for Families?
New Orleans
Boston
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 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 Boston Better for Couples?
New Orleans
Boston
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 makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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?
New Orleans
Boston
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 popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.
Is New Orleans or Boston Better for Public Transit?
New Orleans
Boston
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?
New Orleans
Boston
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 a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.
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.
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How many days in New Orleans or Boston? Ideal Length of StayNew Orleans 2-3Boston 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 region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
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 unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Boston is a classic 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 vibrant 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $191Boston $203
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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $100Boston $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $200Boston $264
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Boston
Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Boston? 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 Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New Orleans $41Boston $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
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Food Meals for one dayNew Orleans $36Boston $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.New Orleans $44Boston $26
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
-
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew Orleans $48Boston $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
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.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans or Boston?
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 Boston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Boston. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
New Orleans is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Boston stays around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the summer, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Boston. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Boston. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNew Orleans 82°F (28°C)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Boston in the Autumn?
Both Boston and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, New Orleans is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October are around 69°F (21°C), and Boston is about 54°F (12°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, New Orleans usually receives less rain than Boston. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNew Orleans 69°F (21°C)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Boston in the Winter?
Both Boston and New Orleans during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Boston can be very cold during winter. In January, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Boston. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Boston stays around 29°F (-2°C).
In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 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 Boston. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNew Orleans 51°F (11°C)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Boston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Boston. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
New Orleans is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 68°F (20°C) in April, and Boston stays around 48°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 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 Boston. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNew Orleans 68°F (20°C)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and New Orleans
| New Orleans | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
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