A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Portland for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

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Should you visit New Orleans or Portland?

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 Portland 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. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, hiking, and shopping.

New Orleans and Portland: Pros and Cons

New Orleans
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Portland
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less active music scene


How is New Orleans different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Food?

New Orleans
Portland

For a nice culinary experience, head to New Orleans, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes.


Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Portland

The nightlife vibe is much better in New Orleans than Portland.

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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Music?

New Orleans
Portland

More people head to New Orleans to see live music than to Portland.

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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Shopping?

New Orleans
Portland

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both New Orleans and Portland.

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

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Families?

New Orleans
Portland

Both New Orleans and Portland are fun to visit with kids.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. Kid-friendly activities in town include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.


Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Portland

Both New Orleans and Portland 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Public Transit?

New Orleans
Portland

Visitors will find public transit in both New Orleans and Portland.

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 Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is New Orleans or Portland a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Portland

New Orleans and Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Should I spend more time in Portland or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Portland. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

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 Portland is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Portland? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Portland 2-3

One day in New Orleans or Portland?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive city of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland?

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 live music and shopping when visiting the nature-filled destination of Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portland?

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 tree-lined city of Portland offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Portland?

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 live music when visiting Portland. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Portland 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 Portland is $143. 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 Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Portland $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Portland $152
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Portland

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Portland? 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 Portland


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 Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Portland $23
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

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

  • Transfer from Portland International Airport to Portland: $109
  • Private Departure Transfer to Portland Airport (PDX): $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Portland Airport PDX: $32
  • Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Portland International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $281
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $141
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $204
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $281
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $141
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland 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
    Portland $35

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 Portland

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


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

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

  • Arts District Food Tour: $84
  • Portland's Art District Food Tour: $84
  • Walking Food Tour in Downtown Portland with Brunch: $86
  • Downtown Deluxe Food Tour: $89
  • Tastes of Downtown Portland Walking Food Tour: $89
  • 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise Through Downtown Portland: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Portland $19
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

Tours and Activities in Portland

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

  • 1-Hour Private Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge: $430
  • 2-Hour Champagne Brunch Cruise Through Downtown Portland: $78
  • 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown Portland: $69
  • 20-Minute Columbia River Gorge Air Tour: $65
  • 20-minute Private Gorge Air Tour for 3: $130
  • 30-minute Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge Air Tour: $128
  • 40-minute Aerial Tour of Portland: $184
  • 40-minute Private Downtown Portland Air Tour for 3: $286
  • 5 Lighthouse Bike Tour with XL Lobster Roll: $132
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $40
  • Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $65
  • All Day Northern Oregon Wineries and Forest Bike Tour: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Portland $14

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 Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • Power Through Portland Bar Crawl: $12
  • Oregon Priority Wine Tasting Pass: $40
  • Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $49
  • Eastside Craft Brewery Walking Tour: $55
  • Portland Brewery Bike Tour: $71
  • Oregon Famous Wine Country Wine Tasting Adventure: $75
  • Brews & Bites - Food Carts & Brewery Tour: $94
  • Views and Brews, Portland Brewery Bike Tour: $118
  • 5-Hour Willamette Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $120
  • Oregon Coast Brewery Tour: $130
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $139
  • Full-Day City & Oregon Wine Tasting Tour: $140

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit New Orleans or Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland stays around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Portland. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, New Orleans is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October are around 69°F (21°C), and Portland is about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Portland. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Portland. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Portland. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In January, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Portland. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Portland stays around 40°F (4°C).

New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Portland. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

New Orleans is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 68°F (20°C) in April, and Portland stays around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Portland. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Portland. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and New Orleans

New Orleans Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)


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