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

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Should you visit Tampa or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

How is Tampa different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Tampa or New Orleans better for Food?

For a nice culinary experience, head to New Orleans, which is well known for it's local dishes.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.

Tampa offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.


Is Tampa or New Orleans better for Nightlife?

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in New Orleans.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or New Orleans better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Tampa than New Orleans.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

New Orleans is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Tampa or New Orleans better for Couples?

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

Tampa is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore.

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.

Is Tampa or New Orleans better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Tampa and New Orleans.

Public transit is quite limited in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

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.


Is Tampa or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Tampa and New Orleans are similar when it comes to walkability.

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Tampa and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

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


Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tampa and New Orleans. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Tampa is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to New Orleans is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Tampa or New Orleans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    New Orleans 2-3

One day in Tampa or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the laid-back city of Tampa. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire area has lots to do.

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun-filled destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the laid-back destination of Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend here when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or New Orleans?

The laid-back city of Tampa offers . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time here 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 fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Tampa or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Tampa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the festive destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, New Orleans or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $119, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $191. 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 Tampa and New Orleans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $60
    New Orleans $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $120
    New Orleans $200

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $38
    New Orleans $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa: $75
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120

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:

  • Shared Roundtrip Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $40
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport: $26
  • Private transfer: New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans: $622
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans Hotel to Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • Private Transfer from New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Port: $32
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: New Orleans Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive Sprinter: $250
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port: $80
  • Private New Orleans Transfer from Port to Airport or Hotel: $122
  • Private Departure Transfers: New Orleans Airport: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or New Orleans?

Prices for flights to both New Orleans and Tampa 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
    Tampa $35
    New Orleans $36

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.
    Tampa $15
    New Orleans $44

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    New Orleans $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

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

About these numbers

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

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Tampa vs. New Orleans Travel Comparison

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