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.

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.

New Orleans and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less active music scene


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, 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
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?

New Orleans
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
Houston

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 is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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
Houston

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
Houston

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
Houston

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?

New Orleans
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?

New Orleans
Houston

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?

New Orleans
Houston

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?

New Orleans
Houston

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?

New Orleans
Houston

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
Houston

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.


  • 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 southern 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 southern 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 place 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 $239, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Houston $284
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 $51
    Houston $72
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
  • 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: $75
  • Full-Day Oak Alley Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp w/Transfer: $155
  • Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $150
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Transfer : $83
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $165

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $548
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $170
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Houston APT-HTL (IAH): $151
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Houston IAH airport : $100
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163

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 $45
    Houston $35

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
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $76
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

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: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $88
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Houston $14
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
  • Walking the Tremé: A Self-guided Audio Tour of New Orleans: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
  • 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
  • New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour: $9.99
  • One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour: $10
  • New Orleans Pelicans Basketball Game Ticket: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • New Orleans, LA: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $46
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $35
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Enchanting Christmas Adventure in Magical Houston Holiday: $293
  • Enchanting A Romantic Urban Adventure: $468
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Houston $13

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
  • Discovering the Flavors of Louisiana: Rum & Gin Distillery Tour: $14
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • 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
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

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

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


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.


  • 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 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.


  • 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 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.


  • 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. 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.


  • 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)