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

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. 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. See New Orleans travel costs.

Portland

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

New Orleans and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Portland are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Portland 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. Portland is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

The French Quarter

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Portland?

Portland is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

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. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is very popular for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

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 is very popular for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

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 its Old Town?

New Orleans is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

New Orleans is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Portland?

Portland is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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 Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Families?

Portland is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

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 Portland Better for Couples?

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

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is New Orleans or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Both New Orleans and Portland are good destinations for students.

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

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is New Orleans or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

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

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

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. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland than New Orleans. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland 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 Portland.

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 laid-back 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 tree-lined 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 eclectic 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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.

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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Portland, 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 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 city activities, 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 daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates 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.

Should I visit New Orleans or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, 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 average around 69°F (21°C), and Portland averages at 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.

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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Should I visit New Orleans or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Portland. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city. 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 daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for Portland and New Orleans