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

Should you visit New Orleans or Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Palm Springs travel costs.

New Orleans and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Palm Springs is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and shopping. 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. Palm Springs is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is New Orleans or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Both New Orleans and Palm Springs have amazing 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 Palm Springs is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Is New Orleans or Palm Springs Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Palm Springs Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is notable for its historic old town. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs Better for Families?

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

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly destination. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs Better for Couples?

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

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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 Palm Springs Better for Students?

New Orleans is very good for students. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is New Orleans or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

New Orleans and Palm Springs are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

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

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Palm Springs?

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic city of Palm Springs. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Palm Springs?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Palm Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Palm Springs?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The outdoorsy city of Palm Springs offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Palm Springs?

New Orleans is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Palm Springs. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Palm Springs, we can see that New Orleans 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Palm Springs?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Palm Springs. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In October, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and New Orleans during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In January, New Orleans is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Palm Springs. The activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and New Orleans