A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or New Orleans, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant 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.

Saint Augustine and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although Saint Augustine and New Orleans 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, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Augustine is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

The French Quarter

How is Saint Augustine different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Saint Augustine or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is very popular for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is very popular for live music. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Augustine or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or New Orleans More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and New Orleans.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in New Orleans. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Saint Augustine. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The fun-filled destination of New Orleans offers live music and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colonial destination of Saint Augustine. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

The colonial city of Saint Augustine offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and New Orleans, 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 Saint Augustine or New Orleans?

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 Saint Augustine or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as New Orleans. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and New Orleans. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Saint Augustine