A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Monterey for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Monterey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Monterey is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Monterey and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monterey 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 Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is New Orleans or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is New Orleans or Monterey Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Monterey is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New Orleans or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a city with good options for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or Monterey Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Monterey?

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Monterey is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Monterey Better for Students?

New Orleans is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Monterey is not popular with students.

Is New Orleans or Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both New Orleans and Monterey.

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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is New Orleans or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Monterey. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Monterey than New Orleans. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

Families should spend more time in Monterey than New Orleans. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Monterey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Monterey than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Monterey that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than New Orleans 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 Monterey.

One day in New Orleans or Monterey?

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Monterey. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Monterey?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. 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 Monterey?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The nature-oriented city of Monterey 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 Monterey?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Monterey. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Monterey?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city 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 Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Monterey. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Monterey in the Winter?

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

In the winter, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Monterey. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.

In April, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and New Orleans