A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Chapel Hill for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Chapel Hill?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chapel Hill is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chapel Hill. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is New Orleans or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

New Orleans is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Many people head to Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Is New Orleans or Chapel Hill Better for Music?

New Orleans is very popular for its music scene. However, Chapel Hill is not a live music destination.

In New Orleans you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Chapel Hill Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Chapel Hill does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Chapel Hill does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Chapel Hill is a family-friendly town. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

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

Is New Orleans or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Chapel Hill are notable 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. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Chapel Hill makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is New Orleans or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular town for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Chapel Hill has some public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

New Orleans and Chapel Hill are notable 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.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable place. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Chapel Hill?

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

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic 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 southern town of Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the energetic 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 southern destination of Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill?

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 southern town of Chapel Hill offers shopping and museums. 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 Chapel Hill?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Chapel Hill. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Chapel Hill, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Chapel Hill much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chapel Hill would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.

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 Chapel Hill Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Chapel Hill?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill in the Summer?

Both Chapel Hill and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the summer, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chapel Hill. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 259 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Chapel Hill. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Chapel Hill. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene during these months.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Chapel Hill in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit New Orleans or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Chapel Hill. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chapel Hill can be very cold. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Chapel Hill averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chapel Hill. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 162 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Chapel Hill. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

Both Chapel Hill and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Chapel Hill. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and New Orleans