A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Denali National Park for Food, Backpackers, Couples, and Families

Should you visit New Orleans or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park 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 festive, vibrant, and energetic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and nightlife.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

New Orleans and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Denali National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Denali National Park are popular destinations, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Denali National Park and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Denali National Park is famous for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Denali National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

New Orleans is a world class party destination. 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.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New Orleans. 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.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

New Orleans is a great city for its old town. However, Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Denali National Park?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Shoppers can find a variety of reasonable stores in both New Orleans and Denali National Park.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

If you're looking to go shopping, Denali National Park has some nice offerings. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for Families?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly park. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

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 Denali National Park Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Denali National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.


Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Denali National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

New Orleans is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans
Denali National Park

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both New Orleans and Denali National Park.

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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.


Is New Orleans or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Denali National Park

New Orleans is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in New Orleans or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in New Orleans or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the rugged park of Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the rugged destination of Denali National Park. This park 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 Denali National Park?

Many people visit New Orleans for five days. You'll find food and nightlife around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The vast park of Denali National Park offers . 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 Denali National Park?

The energetic destination of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Denali National Park. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park is $218. 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 Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Denali National Park? 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 Denali National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Denali National Park $76
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:

  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $207
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $206
  • New Orleans Airport One way Transfer to Baton Rouge or Slidell: $200
  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $164
  • Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
  • Full-Day Oak Alley Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp w/Transfer: $155

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park 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
    Denali National Park $57

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:

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Denali National Park $30
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
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
  • A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
  • Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
  • Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130
  • Audio-Guided Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $90
  • Automated Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Authentical Denali Tour from Denali Park and Fairbanks: $260
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure: $244
  • Half-Day Denali River Rafting Experience: $229

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Denali National Park $12

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
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Denali National Park, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit New Orleans or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Denali National Park. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, New Orleans is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In October, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Denali National Park. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. New Orleans is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. In the spring, New Orleans is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and New Orleans

New Orleans Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)