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

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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. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind 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.

New Orleans and Houston: Pros and Cons

New Orleans
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good music scene
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
Houston
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less active music scene


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.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Food?

New Orleans
Houston

For a nice culinary experience, head to New Orleans, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.

Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods.


Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Houston

Both New Orleans and Houston have similar vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The people in Houston know how to have a good time. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Music?

New Orleans
Houston

More people head to New Orleans to see live music than to Houston.

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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Shopping?

New Orleans
Houston

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both New Orleans and Houston.

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

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Families?

New Orleans
Houston

Both New Orleans and Houston are fun to visit with kids.

New Orleans is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center.


Is New Orleans or Houston Better for Public Transit?

New Orleans
Houston

Visitors will find 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.

Is New Orleans or Houston a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Houston

New Orleans and Houston are similar 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.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights.

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. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to New Orleans is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Houston is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Houston 2-3

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 one-of-a-kind 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 southern 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.

Which city is cheaper, Houston or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $191, while the average daily cost in Houston is $210. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Houston $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Houston $226
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Houston

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Houston $58
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
  • 14 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $203
  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $227
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $237
  • 28 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $267
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $114
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $105
  • Departure Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY or Port - Business Car: $67
  • Departure Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY or Port by SUV: $76
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $139
  • LimoBus New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $400
  • Luxury Transfer from New Orleans International Airport to Downtown Hotels: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $47
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston Downtown to George Bush Airport: $47
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $47
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $47
  • Transfer from William P. Hobby Airport to Houston: $75
  • Transfer from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Houston: $100
  • Sprinter Van IAH Transfer to Galveston: $462
  • Sprinter Van Airport Transfer in Houston: $320
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $100
  • Sedan Airport Transfer IAH to Galveston: $256
  • SUV Airport Transfer to Galveston: $299
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $36
    Houston $28

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:

  • New Orleans Cooking Class: $34
  • New Orleans Lunch & Lesson: Cajun & Creole Cooking Class: $35
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $42
  • New Orleans Food Tour: $44
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $50
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise with Optional Dinner: $52
  • Dinner at Tujague's Restaurant in New Orleans: $68
  • New Orleans French Quarter Food Tour: $69
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $75
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $75
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $75
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $65
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $74
  • The Heights Food Tour: $74
  • Culinary Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Houston $11
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:

  • New Orleans City Park Private Tour and Exploration Game: $3.72
  • Your new addiction! The best women’s shoe shopping experience in NOLA!: $5.00
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Metairie Cemetery Stories Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Walking the Tremé: A Self-guided Audio Tour of New Orleans: $5.34
  • Bywater Stroll: Explore the Evolving Neighbourhood on an Audio Walking Tour: $5.40
  • Beyond the French Quarter: New Orleans Off the Beaten Path Audio Tour: $5.40
  • New Orleans Virtual Self-Paced Guided City Tour: $5.99
  • One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour: $10
  • Skip the Line: Historic House Tour Ticket: $10

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • 1-Day Houston City Tour ( Houston departure ) (HU1): $60
  • 1-Day Mexico Gulf+NASA Tour (Houston departure) (X1): $60
  • 2-Day Austin+San Antonio Tour (Huston departure)(HS2): $198
  • 2-Days New Orleans Tour (Houston departure)(HN2): $238
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $31
  • 7-Day Texas Tour ( Houston departure ) ( APH7 ): $788
  • Astroville Light Rail Train Tour of Houston with Tunnel Access: $40
  • Astroville Rockets Basketball Game Day Tour with Tunnel Access: $36
  • Astroville Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston: $26
  • Astroville Weekend Downtown Houston Tour With Tunnel Access: $35
  • Audi R8 Supercar Experience at Grandsport Speedway: $435
  • Best City Tour 2 hours: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Houston $11

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • New Orleans Bar Hunt: New Orleans Ballin' Bar Crawl: $12
  • Big Easy Ghost and Vampire Pub Crawl: $20
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $22
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $25
  • Haunted New Orleans Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • NOLA Distillery Tour: $28
  • Pub Crawl & Historical Chronicles Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Tour: $35
  • Frenchmen Street Live Music Pub Crawl: $48
  • Frenchmen Street VIP Live Music Pub Crawl: $49

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skip the Line: Distillery Tour Ticket: $21
  • Haunted Houston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tour: $53
  • Astroville Downtown Bar Crawl & Tunnel Access (2 Cocktails Beverages Included): $58
  • SUV St. Arnold Brewery Tour: $487

About these numbers

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.


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 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 are around 82°F (28°C), and Houston is 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

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 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. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Houston stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

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 temperature in New Orleans is usually 51°F (11°C) in January, and Houston stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

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. 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 are around 68°F (20°C), and Houston is 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and New Orleans

New Orleans Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)


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New Orleans vs. Houston Travel Comparison

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