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

Should you visit New Orleans or Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled 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.

Yosemite National Park

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

New Orleans and Yosemite 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
  • 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 El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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. Yosemite National Park is well known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.


Is New Orleans or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is New Orleans or Yosemite National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

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

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.


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

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

New Orleans is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

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

Around Yosemite National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

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

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

New Orleans is a moderate city for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is New Orleans or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly destination. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

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

Many backpackers frequent Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Yosemite National Park has some public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

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 Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Yosemite National Park

New Orleans is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park 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.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable city. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.


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

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

How long in New Orleans or Yosemite National Park?

Both New Orleans and Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans than Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in New Orleans or Yosemite National Park?

The city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous national park of Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park?

The festive destination of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous national park of Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yosemite 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, Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Yosemite National Park $41
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 from Louis Armstrong Airport: $50
  • 1-Way Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $55
  • Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $67
  • Airboat or Pontoon Boat Cruise with Transfers: $68
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
  • New Orleans hotels to NOLA Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • New Orleans city to New Orleans Port - Departure Private transfer: $74
  • New Orleans Cruise Port to New Orleans Arrival Private transfer: $74
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • New Orleans L. Armstrong Airport (MSY) to Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $74

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

Prices for flights to both Yosemite 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
    Yosemite National Park $40

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
    Yosemite National Park $19
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 Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • El Capitan, Yosemite: A Rock Climber's Odyssey - Private Tour: $300
  • Family Fun Private Half Day Fly Fishing Adventure: $215
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite: $293
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • Yosemite Full Day Small Group High Country / Mariposa Tour: $299
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200
  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Yosemite National Park $11

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 Yosemite National Park, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Yosemite National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yosemite National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park Expensive?.