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

Should you visit New Orleans or Houston?

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 Houston 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. 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. See New Orleans travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Houston travel costs.

New Orleans and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Houston. While Houston is larger than New Orleans, 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 Houston attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. New Orleans is more touristy than Houston 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. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Houston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to New Orleans just to party. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

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.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is well known for its old town. However, Houston 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Houston?

Houston 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 Houston. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

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 Houston Better for Families?

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

Houston is a very family-friendly destination. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Houston 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.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Students?

Both New Orleans and Houston are nice destinations for students.

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

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both New Orleans and Houston.

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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is New Orleans or Houston a more walkable city?

New Orleans is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Houston?

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

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

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Houston?

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.

Houston is a sprawling city where you can fill many days. 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 Houston?

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.

Houston is a sprawling big city where you can fill many days. 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 Houston?

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 diverse city of Houston offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Houston?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting Houston. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Houston. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Houston. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, New Orleans usually receives less rain than Houston. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Houston. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Houston. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Houston. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and New Orleans