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

Should you visit New Orleans or Boone?

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 Boone 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 festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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. See New Orleans travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a relaxing, quaint, and picturesque town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Boone travel costs.

New Orleans and Boone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Boone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Boone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Boone is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Boone and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Boone Better for Skiing?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, New Orleans is not a skiing destination.

Boone offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

New Orleans is not a skiing destination.


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

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans
Boone

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is New Orleans or Boone Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Boone

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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. 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.

Boone offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.


Is New Orleans or Boone Better for Music?

New Orleans
Boone

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Boone is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Boone is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Boone Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Boone

New Orleans is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Boone does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Boone does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Boone Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Boone?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

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 Boone More Beautiful?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Boone Better for Families?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Boone is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

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 Boone Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Boone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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

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

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Boone is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

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 Boone Better for Students?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Boone is a very popular town for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

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


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

New Orleans
Boone

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both New Orleans and Boone.

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 Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is New Orleans or Boone a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Boone

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Boone or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boone due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone 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 Boone.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Boone? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Boone 2-4

One day in New Orleans or Boone?

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this festive 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.

Boone is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Boone?

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.

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Boone?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Boone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Boone?

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

Since Boone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Boone or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • New Orleans Prices
    USA Prices
    Boone Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Orleans $271
    Boone $211

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $271, while the average daily cost in Boone is $211. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and Boone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Boone $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Boone $182
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Boone

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Boone? 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 New Orleans


Hotels in Boone


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: New Orleans Hotel Prices and Boone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Boone $33
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:

  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $225
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $200
  • Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Minibus: $190
  • Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $177
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $175
  • New Orleans Departure Transfers: $135
  • New Orleans Private Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $130
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans Port Roundtrip Transfer: $129
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Luxury SUV : $125
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport MSY in SUV: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Boone?

Prices for flights to both Boone and New Orleans 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
    New Orleans $78
    Boone $91

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 Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $58
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $60
  • New Orleans Sunset Food Tour Experience: $85
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
  • NOLA Carte Food Tours: $96
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106
  • Food Tour of New Orleans Garden District: Group of Nine or Less: $129
  • Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine: $149
  • New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal: $162
  • VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option: $191

Typical Food Prices in Boone

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


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Boone $53
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:

  • 45-Minute French Quarter Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $23
  • 45-Minute Garden District Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $22
  • 45-Minute Marigny Triangle Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $22
  • 60-minute Tremé Walking Tour & Photo Experience: $15
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $62
  • A Local's Garden District Tour: $165
  • A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
  • Adults-Only Uncensored Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $35
  • Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55
  • Big Easy Bayou Bites Tour By Junket: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Boone $26

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • New Orleans Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour Pub Crawl: $33
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • New Orleans Bourbon Street Bar Crawl w/ Shots & Souvenir Cup: $35
  • Sin and Tonic Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $35
  • Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $37
  • Frenchmen Street VIP Live Music Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $46
  • Irish Channel Bike Bar Tour: Murals, History and Bar Crawl: $65


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

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 Boone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Boone?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Boone, 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.