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

Should you visit Orlando or New Orleans?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Orlando or New Orleans? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and theater.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Orlando and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Orlando, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Orlando is known for its theatre productions, resorts, and shopping. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter.

The French Quarter

How is Orlando different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orlando or New Orleans Better for Theater?

Orlando is a city with good options for theatre. However, New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or New Orleans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Orlando or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is renowned for live music. However, Orlando is not a live music destination.

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.

Orlando is not a live music destination.

Is Orlando or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Orlando is a world class resort vacation destination. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is great for its historic old town. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or New Orleans?

Orlando is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or New Orleans Better for Christmas?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, New Orleans does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Orlando draws large crowds. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

New Orleans does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Orlando is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or New Orleans Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and New Orleans make for a good place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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 Orlando or New Orleans Better for Students?

For students, both Orlando and New Orleans are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

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

Orlando and New Orleans both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or New Orleans a more walkable city?

New Orleans is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New Orleans than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

Couples should spend more time in New Orleans than Orlando. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New Orleans 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 Orlando 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.

One day in Orlando or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Orlando. 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.

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.

A weekend in Orlando or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This 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.

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.

Five days in Orlando or New Orleans?

The family-friendly city of Orlando offers shopping and theater. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

A week in Orlando or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and New Orleans, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is New Orleans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Orleans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Orleans 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in New Orleans.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Orlando or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and New Orleans, 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.

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

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 Orlando or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and New Orleans. Many visitors come to Orlando in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Orlando is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as New Orleans. Most visitors come to Orlando for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Orlando is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than New Orleans. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Orlando because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In January, Orlando is generally a little warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

Orlando is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Orlando usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Orlando