Which city is cheaper, Minneapolis or New Orleans?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Minneapolis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit New Orleans or Minneapolis?
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 Minneapolis 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.
Where Should I go: New Orleans or Minneapolis?
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
Minneapolis
Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $191Minneapolis $164
The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $191, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $164. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $100Minneapolis $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $200Minneapolis $176
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Minneapolis
Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New Orleans $41Minneapolis $34
Typical Local Transportation prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis
Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer: Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP): $622
- Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
- Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
- Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Minneapolis?
Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
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Food Meals for one dayNew Orleans $36Minneapolis $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- New Orleans Cooking Class: $34
- New Orleans Lunch & Lesson: Cajun & Creole Cooking Class: $35
- French Quarter Food Tour: $42
- New Orleans Food Tour: $44
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $50
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise with Optional Dinner: $52
- Dinner at Tujague's Restaurant in New Orleans: $68
- New Orleans French Quarter Food Tour: $69
- French Quarter Food Tour: $75
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $75
- French Quarter Food Tour: $75
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour: $52
- Private Dining: Mediterranean dinner in Minneapolis with local chef: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.New Orleans $44Minneapolis $21
Typical Entertainment prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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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
Tours and Activities in Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Crooked" St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 hrs): $325
- City of Lakes Tour With An Interpreter In Minneapolis: $179
- Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (2 hrs): $325
- Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 hrs): $425
- 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Romantic tour in Minneapolis: $498
- St Paul Minnesota: Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- The Twin Cities St Paul Tour With An Interpreter: $179
- The best of Minneapolis walking tour: $498
- Walking Minneapolis Downtown & Skyways Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
- Walking Minneapolis Downtown Parks, Fountains & Sculpture Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
- Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs): $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew Orleans $48Minneapolis $19
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 Minneapolis
Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All Inclusive 3hr Craft Brewery Tour: $82
- Minneapolis Distillery Tour: $87
When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Minneapolis, we can see that New Orleans 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 Minneapolis?
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 Minneapolis in the Summer?
Both Minneapolis and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, New Orleans is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis is about 76°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNew Orleans 82°F (28°C)Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Minneapolis in the Autumn?
Both Minneapolis and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the music scene.
In October, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Minneapolis stays around 52°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.
New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNew Orleans 69°F (21°C)Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Minneapolis in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Minneapolis. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Minneapolis. New Orleans is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 51°F (11°C) in January, and Minneapolis stays around 15°F (-10°C).
New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.
New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNew Orleans 51°F (11°C)Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Minneapolis in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Minneapolis.
In the spring, New Orleans is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April are around 68°F (20°C), and Minneapolis is about 49°F (10°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNew Orleans 68°F (20°C)Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)
Typical Weather for Minneapolis and New Orleans
| New Orleans | Minneapolis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Mar | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 49°F (10°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
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