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

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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Columbus?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbus is known for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is New Orleans or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is New Orleans or Columbus Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

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.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Columbus Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Columbus?

Columbus 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 Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus Better for Families?

Columbus is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus Better for Couples?

New Orleans is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is New Orleans or Columbus Better for Students?

New Orleans is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both New Orleans and Columbus.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is New Orleans or Columbus a more walkable city?

New Orleans and Columbus are good 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.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in New Orleans or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in New Orleans than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

Couples should spend more time in New Orleans than Columbus. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans than Columbus if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in New Orleans.

One day in New Orleans or Columbus?

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Columbus. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Columbus?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The friendly city of Columbus offers museums and nightlife. 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 Columbus?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbus. 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 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.

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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for 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.

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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbus for the shopping scene during these months.

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.

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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Columbus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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.

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.

Typical Weather for Columbus and New Orleans