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

Should you visit New Orleans or Moab?

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 Moab 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See New Orleans travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a adventurous, active, and scenic town. Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

New Orleans and Moab: 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
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Moab?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Moab 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 Moab is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, 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. Moab is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moab 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 Moab?

New Orleans
Moab

Moab is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Moab specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


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

New Orleans
Moab

New Orleans is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Moab is not a good destination for its local cuisine and 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 Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is New Orleans or Moab Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Moab

New Orleans is very popular for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination 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.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is New Orleans or Moab Better for Music?

New Orleans
Moab

New Orleans is very popular for live music. However, Moab is not a live music destination.

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.

Moab is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Moab Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Moab

New Orleans is great for its historic old town. However, Moab 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.

Moab does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Moab Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Moab

Moab is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Around Moab visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Moab?

New Orleans
Moab

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moab. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

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 Moab More Beautiful?

New Orleans
Moab

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

Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The desert landscapes and unique geological features make this a fascinating and beautiful area to explore. The dramatic arches in Arches National Park tell a unique story of how the geology of the area has changed.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Moab Better for Families?

New Orleans
Moab

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

Moab is a very family-friendly destination. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

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 Moab Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Moab

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

Moab makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

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 Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Moab

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

Moab is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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 Moab Better for Students?

New Orleans
Moab

New Orleans is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Moab is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans
Moab

New Orleans is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.


Is New Orleans or Moab a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Moab

New Orleans is a popular place for its walkability. However, Moab is not a good destination 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.

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Moab or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Moab?

In either New Orleans or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than New Orleans because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

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


  • How many days in New Orleans or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Moab 2-5

One day in New Orleans or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the active town of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Moab?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the active destination of Moab. 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 Moab?

You'll find live music and food around the energetic destination of New Orleans. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the active town of Moab. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Moab?

The fun-filled city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many people enjoy the shopping when visiting Moab. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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, Moab 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
    Moab Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Orleans $271
    Moab $416

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $271, while the average daily cost in Moab is $416. 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 Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Moab

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Moab? 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 Moab


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 Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Moab $17
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 Airport One way Transfer to Baton Rouge or Slidell: $250
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $226
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • 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
  • Private Mercedes Sprinter Transfer NOLA, Airport, Cruise Ship: $175
  • Airport and City Transfers in New Orleans : $135
  • New Orleans Departure Transfers: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab 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
    Moab $64

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 Moab

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


  • Moab Brewery
    $42
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moab

For Moab, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Moab $3.13
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:

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $35
  • 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 Garden District Cemetery Anne Rice True Crime Tour: $35
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37

Typical Entertainment Prices in Moab

For Moab, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Slickrock Trail Pass
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Moab

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Moab.

  • BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks!: $48
  • 2 hour Moab Ebike Petroglyph Tour: $117
  • 2.5 Hour Moab Hell's Revenge You Drive Off Road UTV Tour: $149
  • 3-Hours Sunset Arches National Park Pavement Sights Tour: $173
  • 3.5 Hour HELL'S REVENGE and FINS & THINGS You Drive UTV Tour: $239
  • 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • Afternoon Arches National Park 4x4 Tour: $210
  • Afternoon Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4X4 Tour: $210
  • Arches National Park 4x4 Adventure from Moab: $197
  • Arches National Park Airplane Tour: $249
  • Arches National Park Back Country Adventure from Moab: $210
  • Arches National Park Backcountry Tour: $252

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Moab $66

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 Moab, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is New Orleans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Orleans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Orleans 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 Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab than you might in New Orleans.

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 Moab Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Moab?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Moab, 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.