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

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit New Orleans or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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 vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

New Orleans and Seattle: Pros and Cons

New Orleans
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Seattle
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife


How is New Orleans different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Food?

New Orleans
Seattle

Foodies will find both New Orleans and Seattle both to be unique destinations.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Seattle. The city is famous for its seafood. Salmon, oysters, and Starbucks coffee are favorites here. Also check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.


Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Seattle

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

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.

Seattle has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Music?

New Orleans
Seattle

It can be fun to see live music in either New Orleans and Seattle.

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.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Shopping?

New Orleans
Seattle

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

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

Seattle offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops.

Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Families?

New Orleans
Seattle

Both New Orleans and Seattle 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 Seattle. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.


Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Seattle

Both New Orleans and Seattle 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.

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Students?

New Orleans
Seattle

Both New Orleans and Seattle are popular destinations for students.

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

Many students visit Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here.

Is New Orleans or Seattle Better for Public Transit?

New Orleans
Seattle

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

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 Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is New Orleans or Seattle a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Seattle

New Orleans and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.


Should I spend more time in Seattle or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Seattle. 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 Seattle is 2-3 days.


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

One day in New Orleans or Seattle?

In New Orleans, you'll find food and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Seattle is a outdoorsy city where you can fill many days. 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 Seattle?

In New Orleans, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Orleans has to offer.

Seattle is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. 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 Seattle?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The progressive city of Seattle offers food and shopping. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which city is cheaper, Seattle 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 Seattle is $156. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Seattle $94
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Seattle $188
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Seattle? 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 Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Seattle $18
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 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 from New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Port: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to MSY: $40
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $40
  • New Orleans Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise to MSY by Executive Sedan: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive SUV: $50
  • Luxury Transfer from New Orleans International Airport to Downtown Hotels: $59
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY or Port - Business Car: $67
  • Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $72

Typical Local Transportation prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Tacoma Airport to Seattle Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Downtown to Tacoma Airport: $60
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Seattle Tacoma Airport to Seattle Downtown: $84
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Seattle Downtown to Tacoma Airport: $84
  • Seattle to Whistler Private Transfer: $1,076
  • Seattle to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Seattle - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $184
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Seattle - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Seattle Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Private Van: $210
  • Seattle Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Executive Sedan: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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
    Seattle $38

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 Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 1 Hour: $34
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $58
  • Pacific Northwest-Style Dinner and Pairing in Seattle: $61
  • Exclusive: Early-Access Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $73
  • Street Theater and Dinner in Seattle's Fremont District: $86
  • Seattle Dinner Cruise: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Seattle $12
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:

  • New Orleans City Park Private Tour and Exploration Game: $3.72
  • Your new addiction! The best women’s shoe shopping experience in NOLA!: $5.00
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Metairie Cemetery Stories Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Walking the Tremé: A Self-guided Audio Tour of New Orleans: $5.34
  • Bywater Stroll: Explore the Evolving Neighbourhood on an Audio Walking Tour: $5.40
  • Beyond the French Quarter: New Orleans Off the Beaten Path Audio Tour: $5.40
  • New Orleans Virtual Self-Paced Guided City Tour: $5.99
  • One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour: $10
  • Skip the Line: Historic House Tour Ticket: $10

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • 20-Minute Greater Seattle Scenic Airplane Tour: $102
  • 3-Day Seattle Olympic+Mount Rainier National Park tour(Seattle departure) APOR3: $285
  • 3-Hour Seattle City Tour: $80
  • 4-Hour Seattle City Tour: $77
  • 5-Day Yellowstone+Grand Teton National Park Tour ( Seattle departure ) SYG5: $615
  • A Feast for Foodies Walking Tour In Seattle: $201
  • Afternoon 3-Hour Seattle City Tour: $76
  • Bainbridge Island Wine and History - Private Luxury Day Tour with Lunch: $450
  • Bainbridge Island Wine and History Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch: $249
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Best of Mount Rainier National Park from All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263
  • Best of Olympic National Park from All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour: $263

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Seattle $13

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 Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Seattle Bar Hunt: Sleepless in Seattle Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Georgetown Brewery Tour: $72
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour: $98
  • Seattle Coffee, Chocolate and Wine Tour: $112
  • Seattle Wine Tour (Hourly): $135

About these numbers

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


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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Orleans or Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Seattle stays around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the summer, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Seattle. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

New Orleans is much warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 69°F (21°C) in October, and Seattle stays around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattle. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and New Orleans during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January are around 51°F (11°C), and Seattle is about 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Seattle. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Seattle. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Seattle. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Seattle. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Seattle stays around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Seattle. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Seattle and New Orleans

New Orleans Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. New Orleans
Washington vs. Seattle
Clearwater vs. New Orleans
Clearwater vs. Seattle
Fort Lauderdale vs. New Orleans
Fort Lauderdale vs. Seattle
Gainesville vs. New Orleans
Gainesville vs. Seattle
Jacksonville vs. New Orleans
Jacksonville vs. Seattle
Miami vs. New Orleans
Miami vs. Seattle
Orlando vs. New Orleans
Orlando vs. Seattle
Saint Petersburg vs. New Orleans
Saint Petersburg vs. Seattle
Tallahassee vs. New Orleans
Tallahassee vs. Seattle
Tampa vs. New Orleans
Tampa vs. Seattle
Atlanta vs. New Orleans
Atlanta vs. Seattle
Savannah vs. New Orleans
Savannah vs. Seattle
New Orleans vs. Baltimore
New Orleans vs. Kansas City
New Orleans vs. Saint Louis
New Orleans vs. Asheville
Share This Page
Pin This Page
New Orleans vs. Seattle Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.