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

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Should you visit Washington 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 Washington and New Orleans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Washington and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Washington
Pros
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less active music scene
  • Less popular with backpackers
New Orleans
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


How is Washington different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Washington or New Orleans Better for Food?

Washington
New Orleans

Foodies will find both Washington and New Orleans both to be unique destinations.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. You can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here, so it's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.


Is Washington or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

Washington
New Orleans

The vibe at night is comparable in Washington and New Orleans.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Head into Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington to enjoy some of the area's best nightlife.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Washington or New Orleans Better for Music?

Washington
New Orleans

New Orleans generally offers more live music options than Washington.

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.

The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Is Washington or New Orleans Better for Shopping?

Washington
New Orleans

Most people pick Washington for the shopping over New Orleans.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around malls and chain stores.

Is Washington or New Orleans Better for Families?

Washington
New Orleans

Washington offers a wider variety of activities for kids than New Orleans.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world.

New Orleans is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Washington or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Washington
New Orleans

Both Washington and New Orleans are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Washington is a nice destination for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show.

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.

Is Washington or New Orleans Better for Students?

Washington
New Orleans

Students usually think of Washington as better than New Orleans.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States.

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

Is Washington or New Orleans Better for Public Transit?

Washington
New Orleans

Washington has better public transit to get you around.

With a huge network, the transit system in Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Washington
New Orleans

Washington is generally more walkable than New Orleans.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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


Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Washington?

How long in Washington or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than New Orleans.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Washington is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to New Orleans is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Washington or New Orleans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Washington 3-7 
    New Orleans 2-3

One day in Washington or New Orleans?

Washington is a international city where you can fill many days. 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.

With food and nightlife around the energetic city of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or New Orleans?

Washington is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. 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.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Washington or New Orleans?

Washington is a active city where you can fill many days. 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.

New Orleans, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or New Orleans?

Washington is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Which city is cheaper, New Orleans or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, 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 Washington and New Orleans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    New Orleans $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    New Orleans $200
Compare Hotels in Washington and New Orleans

Looking for a hotel in Washington or New Orleans? 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 Washington


Hotels in New Orleans


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: Washington Hotel Prices and New Orleans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    New Orleans $41
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.: $15
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168

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: New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans: $622
  • LimoBus New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $400
  • 28 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $267
  • New Orleans Round Trip Airport Transfer: $256
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: MSY to Hotel or Cruise Port by Executive Sprinter: $250
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $237
  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $227
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • 14 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $203
  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $139
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or New Orleans?

Prices for flights to both New Orleans and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    New Orleans $36
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

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.
    Washington $19
    New Orleans $44

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

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
    Washington $15
    New Orleans $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

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


When is the best time to visit Washington 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 Washington or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Washington is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The temperature in Washington is usually 79°F (26°C) in July, and New Orleans stays around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Washington or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Washington in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Washington is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October are around 60°F (15°C), and New Orleans is about 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Orleans. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Washington or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Washington can be very cold during winter. In January, Washington is generally much colder than New Orleans. Temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and New Orleans stays around 51°F (11°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Washington usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Washington or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Washington is cooler than New Orleans in the spring. The temperature in Washington is usually 56°F (14°C) in April, and New Orleans stays around 68°F (20°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Washington usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Washington

Washington New Orleans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)


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Washington vs. New Orleans Travel Comparison

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