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

Should you visit New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a scenic, breathtaking, and idyllic town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food.

New Orleans and South Lake Tahoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and South Lake Tahoe are popular destinations, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while South Lake Tahoe attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than South Lake Tahoe and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. South Lake Tahoe is famous for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from South Lake Tahoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe Better for Skiing?

South Lake Tahoe is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, New Orleans is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

New Orleans is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe Better for Nightlife?

Both New Orleans and South Lake Tahoe have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

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. 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.

The nightlife in South Lake Tahoe is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New Orleans 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe Better for Resorts?

South Lake Tahoe is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

In South Lake Tahoe, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a well-known place for its old town. However, South Lake Tahoe does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

South Lake Tahoe does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe Better for Hiking?

South Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Around South Lake Tahoe visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe is a town with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in South Lake Tahoe. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Families?

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

South Lake Tahoe is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Couples?

South Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

South Lake Tahoe is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

South Lake Tahoe is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

South Lake Tahoe is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Students?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for students. However, South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

New Orleans is a good city to visit for students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both New Orleans and South Lake Tahoe.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Public transit is generally limited in South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

Is New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe a more walkable city?

South Lake Tahoe 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.

South Lake Tahoe is very walkable. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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 South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in South Lake Tahoe or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe?

In either New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than New Orleans because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 3-5 days is enough time in South Lake Tahoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.

One day in New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find food and nightlife around the festive destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic town of South Lake Tahoe. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled city of New Orleans. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of South Lake Tahoe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 South Lake Tahoe?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of South Lake Tahoe. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting South Lake Tahoe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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 South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or South Lake Tahoe?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and South Lake Tahoe, 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.