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

Should you visit New Orleans or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 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.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a breathtaking, stunning, and world-renowned national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

New Orleans and Grand Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for students
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the sunset views
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Grand Canyon National Park are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Grand Canyon National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Grand Canyon National Park is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Canyon National Park and New Orleans. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

New Orleans is renowned for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.


Is New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

New Orleans is renowned for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Is New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

New Orleans is renowned for live music. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Grand Canyon National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.


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

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

New Orleans is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

New Orleans is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a family-friendly national park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Grand Canyon National Park is a great national park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Many backpackers frequent Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

New Orleans is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

Visitors will find decent public transit in both New Orleans and Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Grand Canyon National Park

New Orleans and Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.


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

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

How long in New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Grand Canyon 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 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans than Grand Canyon National Park 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.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Grand Canyon National Park 1-4

One day in New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park?

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 when visiting the gorgeous national park of Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Grand Canyon National Park?

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the live music and food that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting 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. This city offers something for everyone.

The breathtaking national park of Grand Canyon National Park offers . 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of New Orleans. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park is $168. 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 Grand Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Grand Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 and Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Grand Canyon National Park $43
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 from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Minibus: $169
  • Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans City by SUV: $93
  • Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $138
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Luxury SUV : $119
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Business Car: $107
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport MSY in SUV: $120
  • Private Transfer to/from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA: $40
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
  • Private Transfer in New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $55
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • Private Transfer New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Sedan: $76
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer New Orleans and Louis Armstrong MSY: $80

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

Prices for flights to both Grand Canyon 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $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:

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class: $38
  • French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $54
  • 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
  • Private New Orleans Cajun Cooking Class with a Local Courtland: $64
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $76
  • Premier Food Tour in New Orleans: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Grand Canyon National Park $35
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:

  • True Crime, Whores and Gore FQ Walking Tour: $30
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2-Hour French Quarter Ghost Walking Tour in New Orleans: $30
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 60-minute Tremé Walking Tour & Photo Experience: $15
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
  • A Local's Garden District Tour: $165
  • A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
  • A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
  • A Self-Guided Tour of New Orleans’ Historic French Quarter: $9.99
  • Adults Only True Crime Dark History New Orleans Walking Tour: $37
  • Adults Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans: $37

Tours and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • 4 Hour Grand Canyon Biblical Creation Morning Rim Tour: $149
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • Desert View Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $143
  • Full-Day Tour to the Grand Canyon by Coach with River Float: $255
  • Grand Canyon Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Grand Canyon Landmarks Tour by Airplane with Optional Hummer Tour: $179
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $121
  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Tour with Breakfast or Lunch: $145
  • Grand Canyon Tour from Tusayan: $245
  • Grand Canyon West Admission Ticket: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Grand Canyon National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Treme Bar Crawl & Seafood Experience: $17
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $21
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • New Orleans Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • NOLA Distillery Tour: $30
  • Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl - Ghost Tour in New Orleans: $30


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

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 Grand Canyon National Park Expensive?.