A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Charlotte for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit New Orleans or Charlotte?

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 Charlotte 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.

Where Should I go: New Orleans or Charlotte?

New Orleans

New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or New Orleans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Charlotte is $191. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Charlotte? 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 Charlotte


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 Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Charlotte $33
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:

  • Private Transfer from MSY/Port to Downtown: $1,060
  • Transfer in 39 Passenger Bus from MSY/Port to Downtown : $630
  • LimoBus New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $480
  • Airport Transfer, Hourly Charter, Point-to-Point: $350
  • 28 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $330
  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $275
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $211

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Private Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Private One-way Charlotte Airport Transfer To/From Charlotte: $74
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $54
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT by SUV: $168
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT Sedan Car: $125
  • Charlotte Douglas Int. Airport One-Way Transfer to /from Charlotte: $148
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $148

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte 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 $45
    Charlotte $46

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 Lunch & Lesson: Demonstration Cooking Class: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class & Meal: $40
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $42
  • New Orleans Food Tour: $44
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $50
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Famous Foods of New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter: $59
  • New Orleans Famous Tastes of the French Quarter Food Tour: $66
  • The Finest Taste and Flavors of the French Quarter Food Tour: $70
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $72
  • The French Quarter Sunset walking Food Tour Laissez les bons temps rouler: $75
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $79

Typical Food prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Charlotte $43
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:

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
  • Katrina Story Guided 2 Hours Walking Tour: $30
  • Small Airboat & Oak Alley Plantation Combo Guided Tour: $175
  • The National WWII Museum Admission + Campaigns of Courage Guided Tour Ticket: $53
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $78
  • 2 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Treme: $30
  • 2 Hour Private Yacht Cruise in New Orleans: $799
  • 2-Hour French Quarter Ghost Walking Tour in New Orleans: $32
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 3 Hour Driving Rebirth of New Orleans Tour: Life After Katrina: $615

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • 2 Hours African American History E-Bike Tour in Charlotte: $79
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $17
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $23
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Charlotte $20

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $19
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $19
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $22
  • Irish Channel History Tour Pub Crawl: $25
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $26
  • New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $29

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240


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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Charlotte?

Charlotte is bigger, and its population is about 23% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the population of New Orleans vs. Charlotte, 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 and the activities that interest you.


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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Orleans or Charlotte in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Charlotte. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Charlotte. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Charlotte. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Charlotte in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Charlotte. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Charlotte in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Charlotte. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Charlotte in the Winter?

Both Charlotte and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Charlotte averages at about 42°F (6°C).

New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Charlotte. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Charlotte in the Spring?

Both Charlotte and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Charlotte. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and New Orleans

New Orleans Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Share This Page
Pin This Page
New Orleans vs. Charlotte Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.