Which place is cheaper, Denver or New Orleans?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit New Orleans or Denver?
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 Denver 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 vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled 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. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.
Denver
Denver is a park-filled, suburban, and accessible city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.
New Orleans and Denver: Pros and Cons
New Orleans
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Very walkable
- Home to the French Quarter
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Denver
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in New Orleans or Denver?
Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Denver are popular destinations, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.
The French Quarter
How is New Orleans different from Denver?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denver and New Orleans. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is New Orleans or Denver Better for Skiing?
New Orleans
Denver
Denver is a city with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, New Orleans is not a skiing destination.
Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.
New Orleans is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Denver?
New Orleans
Denver
Denver 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 Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.
New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
New Orleans
Denver
New Orleans is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.
Is New Orleans or Denver Better for Nightlife?
New Orleans
Denver
New Orleans is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
New Orleans is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.
Is New Orleans or Denver Better for Music?
New Orleans
Denver
New Orleans is renowned for its live music scene. However, Denver is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.
Denver is not a live music destination.
Is New Orleans or Denver Better for its Old Town?
New Orleans
Denver
New Orleans is a well-known place for its old town. However, Denver does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.
Denver does not have a historic old town.
Is New Orleans or Denver Better for Hiking?
New Orleans
Denver
Denver is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.
New Orleans is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Denver?
New Orleans
Denver
Denver 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 Denver. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.
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 Denver Better for Families?
New Orleans
Denver
Denver is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.
Denver is a family-friendly city. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.
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 Denver Better for Couples?
New Orleans
Denver
Both New Orleans and Denver are nice 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.
Denver makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.
Is New Orleans or Denver Better for Students?
New Orleans
Denver
Both New Orleans and Denver are nice destinations for students.
Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.
Denver is popular with students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.
Is New Orleans or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
New Orleans
Denver
Denver is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.
Denver has some public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.
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 Denver a more walkable city?
New Orleans
Denver
New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city 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.
Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.
For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Denver or New Orleans?
How long in New Orleans or Denver?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Denver. In our opinion, Denver has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Denver than New Orleans. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Denver than New Orleans. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Denver, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
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How many days in New Orleans or Denver? Ideal Length of StayNew Orleans 2-3Denver 2-3
One day in New Orleans or Denver?
Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the suburban city of Denver. 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 Denver?
New Orleans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the sprawling destination of Denver. 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 Denver?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
The accessible city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. 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 Denver?
Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the festive destination of New Orleans. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 skiing and nightlife when visiting Denver. 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 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $239Denver $218
The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Denver 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 Denver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $125Denver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $250Denver $174
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Denver
Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Denver? 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.
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 Denver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New Orleans $51Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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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 to/from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA: $25
- 1-Way Private Airport Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer in New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $55
- Private Transfer from Louis Armstrong Airport: $60
- Louis Armstrong Airport: Private Transfer to New Orleans: $69
- New Orleans hotels to NOLA Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- New Orleans Port to New Orleans Airport Departure Transfer: $75
- New Orleans Cruise Port to New Orleans Arrival Private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Sedan: $76
- Private Airport Transfer with Luxury Car: $79
- New Orleans Private Luxury Airport Transfer to Downtown: $79
- Private Round-Trip Transfer New Orleans and Louis Armstrong MSY: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
- Transfer in Private Car from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN) : $88
- Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Denver Intl. Airport to Downtown: $206
- Round trip transfer in Private Car from-to Denver Int. Airport (DEN) to Downtown: $176
- Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $137
- Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $109
- Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $137
- Private One-way Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport: $176
- Private One-way Transfer from Denver Airport to Denver: $176
- Private One Way Transfer From and To Denver Colorado: $200
- Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN): $44
- Private Arrival Transfer from Denver International Airport: $125
- Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $137
Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Denver?
Prices for flights to both Denver 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
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Food Meals for one dayNew Orleans $45Denver $42
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: $41
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
- French Quarter Shrimp Boil - Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch: $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
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
- French Quarter Food Tour: $89
- French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
Typical Food Prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
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Sushi Dinner (for 2)$61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
- Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $44
- Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $60
- Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $60
- LoHi Neighborhood Food Tour: $71
- RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $79
- Downtown Denver Food Tour: $79
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
- The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver, CO: $86
- Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- walking Secret Food Tour: $107
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.New Orleans $55Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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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:
- Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $5.00
- Bywater Stroll: Explore the Evolving Neighbourhood on a self-guided audio tour: $5.00
- New Orleans Saints Football Game Ticket: $6.02
- Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
- Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $6.99
- Struttin' Down Royal Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Historic French Quarter Quest Experience in New Orleans: $7.18
- Tremé Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- Ghost Hunt in Quest Experience: $8.29
- City Park Quest Experience: $8.29
- Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
- Small-Group Cocktail Tour in Denver: $99
- 1-Hour Ghost Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear in Cheeseman Park: $25
- 1.5 Hour RiNo Art District Walking Tour: $28
- 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $28
- 3 Hour Private Walking Tour in Denver with Professional Guide: $231
- 3 Hour Whiskey and History Tour: $99
- Beginner Rock Climbing Tour: $200
- Best of Denver Tour: $27
- Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
- Bike & Brew: Beautiful Denver Downtown Tour by E-Bike or Bicycle: $98
- Bike and Booze Tour of RiNo & Downtown: $95
- Bike and Booze Tour of River North Art District & Downtown: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew Orleans $60Denver $5.31
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
- Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
- Treme Bar Crawl & Seafood Experience: $18
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $21
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $22
- Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $24
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
- New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $26
- California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting: $30
- Pub Crawl Through Denver RiNo Arts District : $31
- Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit/Beer Tasting: $34
- Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Drinks Included!: $35
- Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
- Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Denver, 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 Denver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Denver?
Denver has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Denver, 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.
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.