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

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Should you visit New Orleans or Columbus?

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 Columbus 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 Columbus?

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.

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.

Which place is cheaper, Columbus 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 Columbus is $158. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Columbus? 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 Columbus


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 Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Columbus $50
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:

  • Transfer in 39 Passenger Bus from MSY/Port to Downtown : $630
  • Round Trip Private Transfer New Orleans and Louis Armstrong MSY: $84
  • Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $132
  • Private transfer: New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans: $132
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Luxury SUV : $94
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Business Car: $84
  • Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Business Car: $84
  • Private Transfer to/from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA: $42
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
  • Private Transfer in New Orleans (MSY) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $54
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
    Columbus $49

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Columbus $46
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 Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Day Columbus Attractions Pass Ticket : $32
  • 3-Day Columbus Attractions Admission Ticket: $45
  • Columbus Blue Jackets Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Nationwide Arena: $21
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $29
  • Private Downtown Columbus Tour Up to 3 Passengers: $399
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Columbus by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Columbus $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

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Columbus?

Columbus is bigger, and its population is about 52% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the population of New Orleans vs. Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbus. 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 Columbus during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Columbus. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, New Orleans is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Columbus. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Columbus. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Columbus can be very cold. In January, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Columbus. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Columbus. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

New Orleans is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Columbus. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Columbus. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and New Orleans

New Orleans Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 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.
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New Orleans vs. Columbus Travel Comparison

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