A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Nags Head for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit New Orleans or Nags Head?

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 Nags Head 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 festive, vibrant, and energetic 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include food.

New Orleans and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Nags Head is popular for

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.


Is New Orleans or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is New Orleans or Nags Head Better for Music?

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Nags Head Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is great for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Nags Head?

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is adequate for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is New Orleans or Nags Head Better for Families?

New Orleans
Nags Head

Nags Head is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Nags Head

Both New Orleans and Nags Head 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. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.


Is New Orleans or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Nags Head

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

Nags Head is a good to visit for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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 Nags Head Better for Students?

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

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.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is New Orleans or Nags Head a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Nags Head

New Orleans is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Nags Head?

Both New Orleans and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

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


  • How many days in New Orleans or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in New Orleans or Nags Head?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the of Nags Head. 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 Nags Head?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. This 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 Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the festive 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the of Nags Head. 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 Nags Head?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this .


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.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $149. 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 Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head


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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Nags Head $40
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:

  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $207
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $204
  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $163
  • Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
  • Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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 $45
    Nags Head $41

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
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $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
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Nags Head $14
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:

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
  • New Orleans Mules in the Marigny Walking Tour: $35
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2-Hour French Quarter Ghost Walking Tour in New Orleans: $40
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
  • A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
  • A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
  • Adults Only True Crime Dark History New Orleans Walking Tour: $37
  • Adults Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans: $37

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Nags Head $12

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
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Orleans and Nags Head, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Nags Head.

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 Nags Head Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Nags Head?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

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 Nags Head in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Nags Head. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Nags Head. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Nags Head. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, New Orleans is a little warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nags Head. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Nags Head in the Winter?

Both Nags Head and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine.

The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. In January, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Nags Head. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Nags Head. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and New Orleans

New Orleans Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)