Which city is cheaper, New Orleans or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
How is Washington different from New Orleans?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Is Washington or New Orleans better for Food?
Foodies will find both Washington and New Orleans both to be unique destinations.
Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination. You can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here, so it's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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?
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.
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.
Is Washington or New Orleans better for Music?
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.
You'll find some good live music in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.
Is Washington or New Orleans better for Shopping?
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.
New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around malls and chain stores.
Is Washington or New Orleans better for Families?
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 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 Washington or New Orleans better for Couples?
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 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 Washington or New Orleans better for Students?
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.
Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.
Is Washington or New Orleans better for Public Transit?
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 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 Washington or New Orleans a more walkable city?
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 somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.
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
- Less active music scene
- Less popular with backpackers
New Orleans
Pros- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular for shopping
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
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.
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How many days in Washington or New Orleans? Ideal Length of StayWashington 3-7New Orleans 2-3
One day in Washington or New Orleans?
Washington is a diverse 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 area has lots to do.
With food and nightlife around the fun-filled 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 international 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 international 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $155New Orleans $191
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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $91New Orleans $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $182New Orleans $200
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $37New 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:
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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
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Food Meals for one dayWashington $30New Orleans $36
Typical Food prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Washington $19New 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:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWashington $15New 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
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.
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