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

Should you visit New Orleans or Hershey?

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 Hershey 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 fun-filled, festive, and vibrant 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

New Orleans and Hershey: 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
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Hershey 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, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Hershey is known for its museums, resorts, and shopping. 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. Hershey is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

New Orleans
Hershey

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

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


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

New Orleans
Hershey

New Orleans is very popular for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is New Orleans or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Hershey

New Orleans is very popular for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is New Orleans or Hershey Better for Music?

New Orleans
Hershey

New Orleans is very popular for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. 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.

Hershey is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Hershey Better for Resorts?

New Orleans
Hershey

Hershey is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

In Hershey, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Hershey Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Hershey

New Orleans is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Hershey 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.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Hershey?

New Orleans
Hershey

Hershey is a town with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

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 Hershey Better for Families?

New Orleans
Hershey

Hershey is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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 Hershey Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Hershey

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

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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 Hershey Better for Students?

New Orleans
Hershey

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Hershey is not popular with students.


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

New Orleans
Hershey

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

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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is New Orleans or Hershey a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Hershey

New Orleans is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Hershey is generally not a very walkable city. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Hershey. In our opinion, New Orleans has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New Orleans than Hershey. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hershey than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hershey 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 Hershey 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 Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in New Orleans or Hershey?

In New Orleans, you'll find food and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful town of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

In New Orleans, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Orleans has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the lighthearted destination of Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town 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 Hershey?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The fun-filled town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey 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 Hershey is $212. 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 Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Hershey? 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 Hershey


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 Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Hershey $49
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:

  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • Boss Be Luxury Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $121
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Transfer : $81
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $164
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $206

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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
    Hershey $61

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
  • 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
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Hershey $53
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:

  • Beyond the French Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour: $9.99
  • New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in New Orleans by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • New Orleans, LA: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience New Orleans, LA: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Hershey $27

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Hop on, Hop off Craft Brewery Bus Tour in New Orleans: $10
  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Discovering the Flavors of Louisiana: Rum & Gin Distillery Tour: $14
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
  • New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $30


When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Hershey, 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 Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Hershey?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Hershey, 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 Hershey?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Orleans or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the summer, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Hershey. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit New Orleans or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Hershey. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, New Orleans is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hershey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit New Orleans or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

New Orleans is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. 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 Hershey during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Hershey. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and New Orleans

New Orleans Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)