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Is New Orleans expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
New Orleans is mid-priced for a US city: cheaper than New York, San Francisco or Boston, but hotels in the French Quarter are expensive, especially during festivals. A budget day is about US$125 per person and a mid-range day about US$275. Hotels (with about 16% tax plus fees), eating out and drinks take most of the money; much of the live music is free or cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$60 | US$130 | US$300 |
| Food & drink | US$40 | US$80 | US$160 |
| Sights & tickets | US$20 | US$50 | US$120 |
| Local transport | US$5 | US$15 | US$40 |
| Per person, per day | US$125 | US$275 | US$620 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our New Orleans day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Beignets and café au lait | roughly $5–8 for three beignets |
| Po'boy sandwich | about $13–20 |
| Cup of gumbo | roughly $8–12 |
| St Charles streetcar ride | $1.25 |
| Preservation Hall set | about $25–50 |
| National WWII Museum | about $35–40 |
| Swamp tour with transport | about $40–80 |
| French Quarter hotel double | roughly $180–350, much more at Mardi Gras |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the biggest cost, with taxes adding about 16% plus per-night fees, and prices rising sharply at Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and on big convention weekends. Food and drink are the next: New Orleans is a city for eating, and Creole dinners and cocktails in the French Quarter add up. Tips are expected for bands and service. Getting around is cheap on foot and by streetcar, and many clubs on Frenchmen Street have no cover charge.
When it is cheaper
June to September (hot, humid and hurricane season) and December outside the holidays usually have the lowest hotel prices, often half the rates of Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest weekends.
How to spend less
- Get a Jazzy Pass (day or multi-day) for unlimited streetcar and bus rides.
- Listen to free music on Frenchmen Street and street performers on Royal Street; tip the band.
- Eat po'boys and red beans and rice at neighbourhood joints rather than French Quarter restaurants.
- Look for weekday lunch specials at classic restaurants; some offer famously cheap lunch cocktails.
- Stay in the Marigny, Mid-City or the Lower Garden District instead of the French Quarter.
- Avoid Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest dates if price matters, or book many months ahead.
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Common questions
Is New Orleans expensive?
Mid-priced for a US city. Allow about $125 a day on a budget and about $275 mid-range; hotels cost much more during festivals.
How much are hotels during Mardi Gras?
Often two to three times normal rates, with minimum stays. Book many months ahead.
Do I have to tip musicians?
Yes. Many clubs on Frenchmen Street have no cover charge, but a tip jar or a drink minimum supports the band.