A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Glacier National Park for Food, Backpackers, Couples, and Families

Should you visit New Orleans or Glacier National Park?

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 Glacier National Park 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 vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled 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.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. Glacier National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

New Orleans and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Glacier National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Glacier National Park are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Glacier National Park is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Glacier National Park is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is not a good area for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

New Orleans is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

New Orleans is very popular for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

New Orleans is very popular for live music. However, Glacier National Park is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a park with good options for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

New Orleans is notable for its historic old town. However, Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Glacier National Park?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Shoppers can find a variety of decent stores in both New Orleans and Glacier National Park.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park More Beautiful?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Glacier National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a park with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

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

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Glacier National Park. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

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

Glacier National Park is not popular with students.


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

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

Visitors will find decent public transit in both New Orleans and Glacier National Park.

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 Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is New Orleans or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Glacier National Park

New Orleans is a popular place for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Glacier National Park?

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

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

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


  • How many days in New Orleans or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in New Orleans or Glacier National Park?

In New Orleans, you'll find live music and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the gorgeous park of Glacier National Park. 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the gorgeous destination of Glacier National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park 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 Glacier National Park?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The stunning park of Glacier National Park offers . 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 Glacier National Park?

You'll find live music and food around the vibrant destination of New Orleans. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 when visiting Glacier National Park. 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, Glacier National Park 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
    Glacier National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Orleans $271
    Glacier National Park $148

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $271, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $148. 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 Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Glacier National Park? 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 Glacier National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Glacier National Park $69
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:

  • New Orleans Private Airport Transfer to Cruise Port Nola: $30
  • Cruise Port Transfer New Orleans and Louis Armstrong Intl MSY: $40
  • Private Transfer to/from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA: $40
  • New Orleans Airport(MSY) to Port of New Orleans- Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from New Orleans Port to New Orleans city: $48
  • New Orleans Port to New Orleans Airport (MSY)- Departure Transfer: $48
  • New Orleans to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Hotel & Airport Transfers in New Orleans Area One Way: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $60
  • New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY) - Departure Transfer : $64
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans Port Private Transfer: $64
  • New Orleans port to New Orleans Airport (MSY) Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park 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
    Glacier National Park $49

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
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans: $75
  • 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
  • Voodoo, Vampires and Delicious Bites Food Tour: $97
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106
  • New Orleans Small-Group Food Walking Tour and Cooking Class: $109
  • Food Tour of New Orleans Garden District: Group of Nine or Less: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Glacier National Park $34
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:

  • Ghosts of Self-Guided Haunted Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Ghost Hunt in Quest Experience: $7.13
  • City Park Exploration Game and Tour: $7.13
  • New Orleans French Quarter Audio Tour: Iconic Sites & Hidden Gems: $7.99
  • New Orleans Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • New Orleans Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.51
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $9.75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of New Orleans' Historic Garden District: $9.99
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Tour of New Orleans’ Historic French Quarter: $9.99
  • Walking the Tremé: A Self-guided Audio Tour of New Orleans: $9.99
  • Old Ursuline Convent Museum Ticket: New Pope Leo XIV Exhibit: $10

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $220
  • Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure: $219
  • Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road): $245
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $220
  • E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Cammas Road: $229
  • Fun and Romantic Pottery Experience for Couples: $275
  • Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Illuminated Glass Kayak Sunset Tour//Whitefish, MT: $155
  • Many Glacier Self-Guided Audio Tour in Glacier National Park: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Glacier National Park $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party with Free Shot!: $24
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • NOLA Distillery Tour: $30
  • New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30
  • Vixens and Villains Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour Pub Crawl: $33
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Till Death Do Us Part: Haunted Pub Crawl Where Love Meets Death: $35
  • Sin and Tonic Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $35
  • New Orleans Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $37
  • New Orleans' Finest Haunted Pub Tour: $40


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

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 Glacier National Park Expensive?.