Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona 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.
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Should you visit New Orleans or Kailua-Kona?
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 Kailua-Kona 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.
Where Should I go: New Orleans or Kailua-Kona?
New Orleans
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
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.
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New Orleans Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $271Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $271, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $125Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $250Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Kailua-Kona? 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.
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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New Orleans $51Kailua-Kona $45
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:
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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
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Food Meals for one dayNew Orleans $78Kailua-Kona $100
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
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.New Orleans $55Kailua-Kona $40
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:
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew Orleans $60Kailua-Kona $15
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 comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Kailua-Kona?
New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
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 Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
New Orleans is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the summer, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNew Orleans 82°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, New Orleans is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNew Orleans 69°F (21°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and New Orleans during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.
In January, New Orleans is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Kailua-Kona. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNew Orleans 51°F (11°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.
New Orleans is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNew Orleans 68°F (20°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and New Orleans
| New Orleans | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.