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

Should you visit New Orleans or Austin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Austin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See New Orleans travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Austin travel costs.

New Orleans and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Austin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Austin. While Austin is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is more popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Austin is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both New Orleans and Austin both to be first-rate destinations.

Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Both New Orleans and Austin have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either New Orleans and Austin.

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.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Hiking?

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

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Austin?

Austin is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

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 New Orleans or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Families?

Austin is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Austin is a family-friendly city. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

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 New Orleans or Austin Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Austin are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both New Orleans and Austin.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is New Orleans or Austin a more walkable city?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than New Orleans. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Austin that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than New Orleans 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 Austin.

One day in New Orleans or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entrepreneurial city of Austin. 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.

A weekend in New Orleans or Austin?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in New Orleans or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The entrepreneurial city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Austin, 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 New Orleans or Austin?

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 New Orleans or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the summer, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Austin. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Austin. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Austin. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the autumn, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Austin. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Austin. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Austin. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and New Orleans