A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Virginia Beach for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach 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. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

New Orleans and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


How is New Orleans different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Virginia Beach Better for Food?

New Orleans
Virginia Beach

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 Virginia Beach. Seafood is plentiful around town. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.


Is New Orleans or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Virginia Beach

The nightlife vibe is much better in New Orleans than Virginia Beach.

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.

Virginia Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is New Orleans or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

New Orleans
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is considered to a better choice for families.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly destination. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches.

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.

Is New Orleans or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Virginia Beach

Both New Orleans and Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk around Virginia Beach.

Is New Orleans or Virginia Beach Better for Public Transit?

New Orleans
Virginia Beach

Visitors will find public transit in both New Orleans and Virginia Beach.

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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach.


Is New Orleans or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Virginia Beach

New Orleans and Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Virginia Beach?

Both New Orleans and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than New Orleans.

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 Virginia Beach is 5-7 days.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in New Orleans or Virginia Beach?

In New Orleans, you'll find nightlife and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. 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 coastal city.

Which city is cheaper, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $104. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $100
    Virginia Beach $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $200
    Virginia Beach $120
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $41
    Virginia Beach $31
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:

  • Private transfer: New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans: $622
  • LimoBus New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $400
  • 28 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $267
  • New Orleans Round Trip Airport Transfer: $256
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive Sprinter: $250
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $237
  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $227
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • 14 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $203
  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $139
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $135

Typical Local Transportation prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $25

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $44
    Virginia Beach $17
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 Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • All-Inclusive, Autumn Weekend Tour for GROUPS of 10-16: $5,901
  • RIDE ALONG GREEK GODS & AQUATISM *Certified Tours*: $75
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $62
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $62
  • Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour of Linkhorn Bay: $41
  • Tour of Virginia Beach (half day), for GROUPS of 10-16: $499
  • Tour of Virginia Beach, for GROUPS of 10-16: $831
  • Haunted Walking Ghost Tour: $22
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $48
    Virginia Beach $8.51

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


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


When is the best time to visit New Orleans or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach is about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach 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 around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Virginia Beach. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Additionally, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In October, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Virginia Beach stays around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Virginia Beach. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit New Orleans or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Virginia Beach. New Orleans is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The temperature in New Orleans is usually 51°F (11°C) in January, and Virginia Beach stays around 39°F (4°C).

New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, New Orleans is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April are around 68°F (20°C), and Virginia Beach is about 58°F (14°C).

In Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 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 Virginia Beach. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and New Orleans

New Orleans Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 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.

Share This Page
Pin This Page
New Orleans vs. Virginia Beach 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.