A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Couples

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Should you visit New Orleans or Las Vegas?

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 Las Vegas 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 vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

New Orleans and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

New Orleans
Pros
  • Good music scene
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


How is New Orleans different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Food?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

Foodies will find both New Orleans and Las Vegas both to be unique destinations.

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.

Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.


Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

Both New Orleans and Las Vegas 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 nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Music?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

It can be fun to see live music in either New Orleans and Las Vegas.

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.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Las Vegas The city has a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Shopping?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

While New Orleans and Las Vegas are both popular shopping destinations, overall Las Vegas is considered to be better.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Las Vegas. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can by designer names or visit flagship stores.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Families?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

Neither New Orleans nor Las Vegas are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

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.

Las Vegas doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.


Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

There's generally more to do as a couple in Las Vegas than New Orleans.

Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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.

Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

Visitors will find public transit in both New Orleans and Las Vegas.

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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is New Orleans or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Las Vegas

New Orleans and Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Las Vegas?

Both New Orleans and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than New Orleans.

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 Las Vegas is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in New Orleans or Las Vegas?

You'll find live music and food around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Las Vegas is a sinful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. 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 Las Vegas?

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Las Vegas is a entertaining big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant city of New Orleans. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Las Vegas is a sinful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Las Vegas?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital.

Which city is cheaper, Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas is $246. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Las Vegas $127
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Las Vegas $254
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas


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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Las Vegas $38
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:

  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $26
  • Private Transfer from New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Port: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to MSY: $40
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $40
  • New Orleans Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise to MSY by Executive Sedan: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive SUV: $50
  • Luxury Transfer from New Orleans International Airport to Downtown Hotels: $59
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY or Port - Business Car: $67
  • Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $72

Typical Local Transportation prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Transfer from McCarran International Airport to Las Vegas: $75
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas City by Stretch Limo: $150
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas City by SUV: $110
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas City by Business Car: $86
  • Round Trip McCarran Airport (LAS) Transfer to Las Vegas City Center: $113
  • Private Transfer: McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas: $52
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport (LAS): $52
  • Private Transfer from Las Vegas City to Las Vegas (LAS) Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from Las Vegas (LAS) Airport to Las Vegas City: $95
  • Private Transfer Service in Las Vegas: $95
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Las Vegas Center and Las Vegas Airport: $84
  • Private One Way Transfer from McCarran Airport to Las Vegas Strip Hotels by SUV: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $64

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

Typical Food prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

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

  • Only On The Strip Food Tour: $79
  • The "What The Frog?" Senor Frogs Dinner Package: $80
  • Chinatown Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Downtown Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Walking Food Tour of Downtown Las Vegas: $99
  • Evening Walking Food Tour on the Las Vegas Strip: $103
  • Walking Food Tour of the Las Vegas Strip: $103
  • Fremont Street Dinner Tour with Photographer: $129
  • Secret Food Tours Las Vegas: $136
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour by Segway: $149
  • Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner from Las Vegas: $150
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Las Vegas: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Las Vegas $63
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

Typical Entertainment prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:

  • 1 Hour Private Limo Photo Tour: $343
  • 1-Day Grand Canyon West Rim Sunset Tour: $135
  • 1-Day Hoover Dam - Lake Mead - Oatman Ghost Town Tour: $291
  • 1-Day Tour to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas: $176
  • 1.5-Hour BLACKOUT: Dining in the Dark Experience in Las Vegas: $81
  • 11 Day Best of the West National Parks Tour Las Vegas to San Francisco: $2,151
  • 15-Day Southwest Grand Circle Tour: $6,000
  • 2 Day Zion and Bryce in depth National Tour Camp or Lodge options: $330
  • 2 Hour Photo Tour by Luxury Rolls Royce: $986
  • 2 Hour Private Limo Photo Tour: $549
  • 2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Las Vegas: $330
  • 2-Day Private Tour: Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon and Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas: $1,198

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Las Vegas $44

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 Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • The Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Bar Crawl of Fremont Street: $89
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl: $90
  • Las Vegas Brewery Tour by Party Bus: $103
  • Bar Crawl On Fremont Street: $260
  • Small Group Pahrump Wine Tasting with Death Valley Sightseeing and Stargazing: $295

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Orleans and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is New Orleans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Orleans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Orleans 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas than you might in New Orleans.

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New Orleans vs. Las Vegas Travel Comparison

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