A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Yellowstone National Park for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park?

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 Yellowstone National Park 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 fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking, vast, and world-famous national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

New Orleans and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Old Faithful
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Yellowstone National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Yellowstone National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is well known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Yellowstone National Park is well known for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is very popular for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.


Is New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is very popular for its music scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a live music destination.

In New Orleans you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.


Is New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Yellowstone National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Around Yellowstone National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

New Orleans has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Yellowstone National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Yellowstone National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Yellowstone National Park. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, Yellowstone National Park is not popular with students.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Yellowstone National Park is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Yellowstone National Park

New Orleans is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable city. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable city. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.


For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Yellowstone National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park?

Both New Orleans and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans than Yellowstone National Park 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 New Orleans.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Yellowstone National Park 5-7

One day in New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the vibrant city of New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the immense national park of Yellowstone National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Yellowstone National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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 Yellowstone National Park?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the unique national park of Yellowstone National Park. 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 Yellowstone National Park?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yellowstone National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Yellowstone National Park or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Yellowstone National Park is $147. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and Yellowstone National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Yellowstone National Park $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Yellowstone National Park $148
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Yellowstone National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park? 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 Yellowstone National Park


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 Yellowstone National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Yellowstone National Park $37
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:

  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • Boss Be Luxury Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $121
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $207
  • New Orleans Cruise Port to New Orleans Arrival Private transfer: $74
  • New Orleans L. Armstrong Airport (MSY) to Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) to Cruise Port - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $148
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • New Orleans Private Luxury Airport Transfer to Downtown: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Yellowstone National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yellowstone National Park 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 $45
    Yellowstone National Park $46

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:

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Yellowstone National Park $34
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:

  • Walking the Tremé: A Self-guided Audio Tour of New Orleans: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour: $9.99
  • New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • New Orleans, LA: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience New Orleans, LA: $15
  • Five in One French Quarter Tour in New Orleans: $15

Tours and Activities in Yellowstone National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • West Thumb Geysers Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • 5-Day Winter Yellowstone Wildlife Tour: $3,349
  • 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch: $182
  • E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park: $200
  • Early Morning Guided Kayak Tour: $150
  • Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour: $269
  • Grand Prismatic Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features : $135
  • Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Self-Guided Grand Teton National Park Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Self-guided tours with Audioguide West Coast Parks U.S.: $27
  • Small-Group Sunset Kayaking Tour on Lake Yellowstone : $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Yellowstone National Park $19

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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 Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.