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

Should you visit New Orleans or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

New Orleans and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Chattanooga?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Chattanooga. New Orleans is bigger than Chattanooga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Chattanooga is more popular for its museums, hiking, and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Chattanooga 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. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is New Orleans or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is New Orleans or Chattanooga Better for Music?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Chattanooga Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Chattanooga?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

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 Chattanooga Better for Families?

Chattanooga is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Chattanooga is a family-friendly city. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

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 Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is New Orleans or Chattanooga Better for Students?

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Chattanooga is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Chattanooga. In our opinion, Chattanooga has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chattanooga than New Orleans. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant 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 bustling city of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled 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 bustling destination of Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Five days in New Orleans or Chattanooga?

The energetic 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 thriving city of Chattanooga offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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 Chattanooga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Chattanooga?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga 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. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

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

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

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

In October, New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Chattanooga in the Winter?

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

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

In the winter, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chattanooga. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and New Orleans