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

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Should you visit New Orleans or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles 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 energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a energetic, dynamic, and glamourous city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

New Orleans and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

New Orleans
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
Los Angeles
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


How is New Orleans different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Los Angeles Better for Food?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

Foodies will find both New Orleans and Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. Popular dishes include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.


Is New Orleans or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

Both New Orleans and Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Is New Orleans or Los Angeles Better for Music?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

It can be fun to see live music in either New Orleans and Los Angeles.

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 Los Angeles Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Is New Orleans or Los Angeles Better for Shopping?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Los Angeles. Famous for Rodeo Drive, there are many other shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles Better for Families?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

Los Angeles is considered to a better choice for families.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city.

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.


Is New Orleans or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

Both New Orleans and Los Angeles are good 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.

Couples visit Los Angeles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon.

Is New Orleans or Los Angeles Better for Students?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

While New Orleans and Los Angeles are both good for students, overall Los Angeles is genreally more popular.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Is New Orleans or Los Angeles Better for Public Transit?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

Visitors will find public transit in both New Orleans and Los Angeles.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is New Orleans or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Los Angeles

New Orleans and Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable place. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.


Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Los Angeles?

Both New Orleans and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is 5-7 days.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Los Angeles? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Los Angeles 5-7

One day in New Orleans or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the festive city of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Los Angeles is a energetic city 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 Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the festive destination of New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Los Angeles is a dynamic big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in New Orleans or Los Angeles?

The vibrant city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Los Angeles is a energetic city 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 Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Los Angeles 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 city.

Which city is cheaper, Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is $203. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Los Angeles $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Los Angeles $222
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Los Angeles

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles


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 Los Angeles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Los Angeles $33
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 Roundtrip Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $40
  • 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: New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans: $622
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans Hotel to Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • Private Transfer from New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Port: $32
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive Sprinter: $250
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port: $80
  • Private New Orleans Transfer from Port to Airport or Hotel: $122
  • Private Departure Transfers: New Orleans Airport: $122

Typical Local Transportation prices in Los Angeles

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:


  • Hotel Parking for a Day
    $22
  • Taxi to Airport
    $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles

Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Universal Studios Private Transfer To Anaheim Resort or OC Central.: $123
  • Universal Studios Hollywood with transfers from Los Angeles or Anaheim: $160
  • Transfer to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $39
  • Transfer Los Angeles to or from Anaheim: $115
  • Stress free transfers from A through Z.: $160
  • Small-Group Amazing Hollywood Sign Tour with Transfer: $32
  • San Diego Private Transfer From Hollywood or Burbank.: $398
  • Round Trip Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Transfer to Los Angeles City Center: $132
  • Private transfer from Los Angeles International Airport to Los Angeles: $100
  • Private Van Airport Arrival Transfer: LAX Airport to Anaheim Resort Area: $53
  • Private Universal City Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $138
  • Private Universal City Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Los Angeles?

Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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
    Los Angeles $46

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 Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4)
    $32
  • Burritos for Two
    $15
  • Coffee and Danish
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • How to Cook the Perfect Steak Virtual Cooking Class: $42
  • West Hollywood Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $77
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Los Angeles Venice Beach: $96
  • Private Authentic Middle Eastern Cooking Class in Reseda, Los Angeles: $102
  • Luxury Vegan Food Tours of Los Angeles: $125
  • Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach, Los Angeles w/ Private Tour Option: $207

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Los Angeles $64
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:

  • 2 Nights in French Quarter Hotel, City Tour and Attraction Pass: $565
  • 2-Hour French Quarter and Cemetery Tour: $20
  • 5 in 1 New Orleans Cemetery Tour: $20
  • 8-in-1 Combo Haunted Walking Tour in New Orleans: $27
  • A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $120
  • A Locals' French Quarter Tour: $120
  • A Taste of Jazz, Bars & Drinks Private Tour: $108
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Adults Only - Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo, & Vampire Tour: $17
  • Adults Only Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Walking Tour: $27
  • American Adventure: Uptown Bike Tour in New Orleans: $50
  • Antique car chauffeured tour of New Orleans and/or transportation service: $60

Typical Entertainment prices in Los Angeles

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)
    $37
  • Bowling
    $13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two
    $30
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96

Tours and Activities in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Hour Instagram Pics Hollywood Sign Tour: $39
  • 15 mins Driving Tour in a Ferrari California T spider in hollywood: $69
  • 1HOUR FERRARI CALIFORNIA driving Tour from Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $300
  • 2 Hour Celebrity Homes Tour: $39
  • 2 Hour Venice Beach Bike Tour: $61
  • 2 hour Horseback Riding Tour near the Hollywood Sign with Transportation: $127
  • 2-Hour Hollywood Bike Tour: $60
  • 2-Hour Hollywood Walking and Hiking Tour with Skyline Views: $34
  • 3 Hour Hollywood to Beverly Hills small group Tour: $41
  • 3 Hour Venice Beach Bike Tour: $71
  • 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour: $49
  • 3 Hours Private Los Angeles Tour: $357

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Los Angeles $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 Los Angeles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:

  • Brews Cruise- DTLA Brewery tour by bike: $50
  • Brewery Walking Tour -- Downtown / Arts District: $81
  • Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour from Los Angeles: $249
  • Los Angeles Wine Tour: $250
  • The Private Malibu Wine Tour: $419
  • Food and Wine Tasting Party: $750
  • Private Tour: Malibu Wine Tasting for Two by Limousine from Los Angeles: $999

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Orleans or Los Angeles in the Summer?

Both Los Angeles and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Los Angeles stays around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Los Angeles 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 69°F (21°C) in October, and Los Angeles stays around 64°F (18°C).

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Los Angeles 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Los Angeles. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, New Orleans is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January are around 51°F (11°C), and Los Angeles is about 55°F (13°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Los Angeles 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Los Angeles. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Los Angeles stays around 61°F (16°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Los Angeles 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and New Orleans

New Orleans Los Angeles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 61°F (16°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)


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