Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or New Orleans?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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. 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.
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- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Good for students
- Home to the French Quarter
- Less popular for shopping
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in New Orleans or Las Vegas?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although New Orleans and Las Vegas are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while New Orleans is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip.
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.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Las Vegas?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.
Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for theatre. However, New Orleans is not a theatre destination.
Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Las Vegas that are not to be missed. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
New Orleans is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
Foodies will find both New Orleans and Las Vegas both to be fantastic destinations.
Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.
Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It 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 fantastic 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. 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.
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 There are 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 Resorts?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.
Las Vegas is a world class resort vacation destination. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
New Orleans is not a resort destination.
Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
New Orleans is notable for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Las Vegas?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.
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 buy 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 shopping 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. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.
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
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
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. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.
Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Students?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
New Orleans is a good destination for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.
New Orleans is a good city to visit for students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Is New Orleans or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
New Orleans
Las Vegas
Visitors will find decent 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 good 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.
For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
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 in New Orleans. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Las Vegas than New Orleans. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Las Vegas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
-
How many days in New Orleans or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayNew Orleans 2-3Las 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 colorful 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 festive 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 entertaining 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.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $239Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $125Las Vegas $158
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $250Las Vegas $316
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.
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 $51Las Vegas $53
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:
- Private Transfer from Louis Armstrong Airport: $50
- 1-Way Private Airport Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $55
- Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport: $67
- Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $67
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
- New Orleans city to New Orleans Port - Departure Private transfer: $74
- New Orleans Port to New Orleans Airport Departure Transfer: $74
- Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- New Orleans to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
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 in private minivan from Las Vegas The Strip- Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $76
- Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas Airport (LAS)- Las Vegas The Strip: $76
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Las Vegas The Strip - Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $58
- Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
- Special Event Transfers EDC: $100
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Las Vegas Airport (LAS)-Las Vegas The Strip: $152
- Private Transfer: McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas : $50
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to McCarran International Airport (LAS): $51
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $113
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $113
- Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Clark Airport (CRK): $46
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 dayNew Orleans $45Las Vegas $80
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 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.
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
- Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
- Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
- Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110
- Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show: $112
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.New Orleans $55Las Vegas $78
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 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:
- 2 Hour Nellis Dunes ATV Tour from Las Vegas : $98
- 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
- 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
- All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
- Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
- Manila; Walking Foods and Drinks Tour : $70
- Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
- Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
- 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
- 1 Day Tour at Valley of Fire and Zion Park: $209
- 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
- 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew Orleans $60Las Vegas $55
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
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.
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 Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Las Vegas?
New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Las Vegas, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.