Travel Budget for New Orleans Visit New Orleans on a Budget or Travel in Style

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America

New Orleans is a fun-filled city known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to New Orleans, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to New Orleans?

You should plan to spend around $271 per day on your vacation in New Orleans. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $78 on meals
  • $51 on local transportation
  • $250 on hotels

A one week trip to New Orleans for two people costs, on average, $3,794. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $271
  • One Week Per person
    $1,897
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,794
  • One Month Per person
    $8,130
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,794
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $7,588
  • One Month For a couple
    $16,260
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to New Orleans cost?

A one week trip to New Orleans usually costs around $1,897 for one person and $3,794 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to New Orleans on average costs around $3,794 for one person and $7,588 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in New Orleans will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to New Orleans on average costs around $8,130 for one person and $16,260 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is New Orleans expensive to visit?

New Orleans is a popular city that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

New Orleans can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and soaking up the old town atmosphere.

On average, budget travelers spend $120 per day, mid-range travelers spend $271 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $644 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to New Orleans.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, New Orleans is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to North Conway or Panama City.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is New Orleans Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to New Orleans?

The average New Orleans trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these New Orleans travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to New Orleans cost?

New Orleans on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$50 $125 $305
Local Transportation 1 $19 $51 $151
Food 2 $32 $78 $175
Entertainment 1 $19 $55 $181
Alcohol 2 $13-39 $30-90 $56-167

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to New Orleans without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $120 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

New Orleans is packed with plenty of hostels, including India House Backpackers Hostel, Auberge NOLA Party Hostel, and HI New Orleans. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to New Orleans, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to New Orleans to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $271 per person, per day.

New Orleans offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Maison Perrier Bed & Breakfast is an excellent choice, while Auld Sweet Olive Bed and Breakfast is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for New Orleans.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $644. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private New Orleans Garden District Highlights Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in New Orleans

In New Orleans, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak summer, winter, or spring season. Off-season prices average around $132, but in peak season, they can average around $246. Prices generally range from $95 to $409, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in New Orleans for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $250. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $125 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $125
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $250

Hotels in New Orleans

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in New Orleans

The average hotel room price in New Orleans based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $132 in the low season and $246 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in New Orleans include:

  • Elysian Fields Inn starting at $200
  • Maison Perrier Bed & Breakfast starting at $150
  • Auld Sweet Olive Bed and Breakfast starting at $192
  • Hotel Peter and Paul starting at $125
  • Parisian Courtyard Inn starting at $124
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in New Orleans

If you plan to avoid summer, winter, or spring and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.

The city's captivating old town is a big magnet for tourists. While accommodations in this area can be more expensive, they often have a unique charm and easy access to everything you need.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in New Orleans

The public transit system in New Orleans is not very good. 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.

New Orleans is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $51 per person, per day, on local transportation in New Orleans. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in New Orleans is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $51

Transportation Tips

Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Luxury SUV for $111 details
  • Private Hotel & Airport Transfers in New Orleans Area One Way for $45 details
  • Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans City by SUV for $106 details

Recommended Services


Flights to New Orleans
How much does it cost to go to New Orleans? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in New Orleans
The price of renting a car in New Orleans will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in New Orleans?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in New Orleans, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.


  • Taxi Ride
    $10


Food Budget in New Orleans

With its world-class cuisine, New Orleans is a food lover's paradise. Make it a priority to eat at local restaurants and try their standout dishes. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in New Orleans can vary significantly, the average cost of food in New Orleans is $78 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $78

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in New Orleans is around $78 ($78) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $175. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in New Orleans are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $23
  • Lunch: $12 to $31
  • Dinner: $23 to $55
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

New Orleans truly is a culinary capital of the country. There are many regional and local specialties that are available at the restaurants throughout the city. Fresh seafood is commonplace in many of the dishes. Oysters and crawfish are particularly popular. Po-boys are a local sandwich that are made with a po-boy loaf and fried shrimp or oysters. The Muffaletta is also a local sandwich that is made on a large, round Italian loaf with sliced meats like salami and capicola, cheeses, and olive salad. For some great restaurant suggestions, see where the locals eat in New Orleans. Other local dishes include gumbo or red beans and rice. Bananas Foster is a well known, local dessert that is made with warm bananas mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, rum and ice cream (recipe). Other sweets include beignets and pralines.

Food in New Orleans

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in New Orleans, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Private New Orleans Cajun Cooking Class with a Local Courtland for $64 details
  • Private New Orleans Neighborhood Food Tour - Historic Driving "Dine-Around" for $185 details
  • New Orleans Private Food Tour for $267 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in New Orleans

It's no surprise that New Orleans sees many visitors since it offers food, nightlife, music, and historical sights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in New Orleans typically cost an average of $55 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $55

New Orleans is a city that is really about atmosphere. The city's rich history means that it has a lot of historical architecture that is fun to explore. There are many old cemeteries throughout the older parts of town as well. Popular sights in the French Quarter include Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Jackson Square, the Moon Walk, Chartres Street, the Old French Market, and Lower Decatur Street.

Other sights include the Superdome, the Audubon Zoo, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Mississippi River.



New Orleans is at its peak during Mardi Gras. During this time there is no shortage of parades, balls, events, and festivities that you can enjoy. Other festivals around town include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (or Jazz Fest), the French Quarter Festival, the Essence Festival, Southern Decadence, Satchmo Summer Festival, and San Fermin en Nueva Orleans.

But Mardi Gras is not everything. Penty of other things to do in New Orleans include riverboat cruises, riding the streetcar, exploring the historic neighborhoods, taking a carriage ride, taking a walking or bicycle tour, shopping, or taking a cooking class.

Sightseeing Tips

Music:
The music scene in New Orleans is popular and draws a crowd. 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.

Historical Sights:
The historic old town is a popular destination for many visitors. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

A nice way to explore destinations in New Orleans is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • New Orleans Taste of Gumbo Food Walking Tour for $81 details
  • New Orleans Culinary Bike Tour for $99 details
  • Small-Group French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour for $49 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in New Orleans?

Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in New Orleans, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100


Nightlife Budget in New Orleans

With a nightlife scene that is second to none, New Orleans draws in guests from across the globe. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $60 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in New Orleans per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $60

Nightlife in New Orleans

Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.

Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in New Orleans. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Private Burlesque Party Dance Class In New Orleans for $40 details
  • Pirate Pub Crawl for $39 details
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel for $25 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 21, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for New Orleans

  • Prices often increase and the city becomes more congested during peak season in summer, winter, or spring. For a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider traveling in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Slowing down while you travel can lead to significant savings, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. If you overload your itinerary with activities, you'll likely spend a lot more. However, embracing a slower pace can help you enjoy your trip and cut costs.

Budgeting Challenges

  • New Orleans doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider renting a car or setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • New Orleans isn't exactly teeming with hostels, so if you were hoping to find a low-cost dorm, you might want to rethink that. Finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment could be your best bet.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about New Orleans.

What makes New Orleans a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

We were able to find very cheap accommodation just outside of the more touristy area.

vrf_493
-
Mar 30 2024
Traveling in New Orleans
New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.

The city's climate is humid subtropical with short and mild winters and hot and humid summers. Summers can be quite hot and oppressive while winters are comfortable and pleasant. Snow is very rare but does occasionally occur. Hurricanes are a significant risk in the area and the city's low elevation makes it particularly vulnerable to damage. It is also surrounded by water from the north, east and south. Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005 but the city continues to rebound to this day.



Neighborhoods & Around

New Orleans can be divided into seven districts. The French Quarter is the most notable area for tourists. This is the oldest part of the city and there are many restaurants, music clubs and bars in this area. The Central Business District is next to the French Quarter and also has many attractions. It's the city's financial district and has both skyscrapers and high rise hotels. Downriver refers to the older neighborhoods that are located "Downriver" from the French Quarter. This is where you'll find Marigny's Frenchmen Street which is the main drag in the music district. Uptown is upriver from the central business district and has beautiful old architecture. Other districts in the city include Middle, Lakeside and Algiers.

Related
Looking for a party hostel in Hawaii or Miami? Traveling alone to LA or New Orleans? Want a budget hostel in NYC?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.