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

Should you visit Pensacola or New Orleans?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and New Orleans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Pensacola and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Pensacola. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Pensacola attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping. Pensacola is famous for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter.

The French Quarter

How is Pensacola different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or New Orleans?

Pensacola is a beach town with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Pensacola is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Pensacola has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Is Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Music?

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

Pensacola is not a live music destination.

Is Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

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

In Pensacola, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Pensacola is considered to be a world-class beach destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is notable for its old town. However, Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or New Orleans?

Pensacola is a beach town with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pensacola. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

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 Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Pensacola is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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 Pensacola or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is very good for students. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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 Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or New Orleans a more walkable city?

New Orleans is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

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

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or New Orleans?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active beach town of Pensacola. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

You'll find live music and food around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pensacola or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Pensacola. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach 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.

You'll find food and nightlife around the energetic destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the entertaining beach town of Pensacola. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant city of New Orleans. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pensacola. 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 beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or New Orleans?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pensacola or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Pensacola during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than New Orleans. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and New Orleans. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Should I visit Pensacola or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as New Orleans. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pensacola is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In April, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In April, Pensacola usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Pensacola