A Tale of Two Cities - Part 17 - From Beignets to Bougie: How New Orleans’ Spice Compares to Vancouver’s Price

If Vancouver and New Orleans were people, Vancouver would be that health-conscious friend who wakes up at 5 AM for a hike, drinks organic green smoothies, and worries about the rising cost of real estate. New Orleans? That’s your fun-loving, jazz-playing uncle who tells wild stories, stays out until sunrise, and somehow convinces you that having beignets for every meal is totally fine.

These two cities couldn’t be more different, but let’s break it down:

1. Weather: Rain vs. Rain (But Make It Humid)

Vancouver is known for its moody, misty drizzle—a never-ending light rain that keeps everything lush and green. It’s the kind of place where you always carry an umbrella but rarely bother opening it. The temperature? Mild, like a cup of Earl Grey.

New Orleans, on the other hand, also has rain—but the aggressive kind. When it rains, it pours. And when it’s not raining, it’s 35°C (95°F) with humidity levels that make you feel like you’re living inside a warm gumbo pot. Locals will tell you, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” which is their way of saying, “Yes, you will sweat through your shirt.”

2. Housing: A Pricey Market vs. A Colorful Gamble

Vancouver’s real estate market is one of the most expensive in the world. If you want a tiny condo with a view, you’ll need to sell a kidney (or two). But hey, at least it comes with floor-to-ceiling windows and a concierge.

New Orleans, meanwhile, has historic homes with character—think French Quarter balconies, shotgun houses, and Creole cottages. Prices are more affordable, but each home is a bit of a mystery. You might find a gorgeous 1800s mansion for a great price, only to discover it comes with a ghost, an alligator in the backyard, and a plumbing system that predates the telephone.

3. Outdoor Fun: Hiking vs. Partying on the Street

Vancouverites are the type of people who climb a mountain before brunch. There’s a reason Lululemon was born here—this city takes outdoor activities seriously. Hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing—Vancouver is basically a giant playground for people who enjoy suffering in nature.

New Orleans has outdoor activities too, but they mostly involve music and alcohol. Ever heard of Bourbon Street? It’s a place where the dress code is “whatever survived last night,” and carrying a drink through the streets is encouraged. Live jazz? Everywhere. Street performers? Nonstop. You don’t hike in New Orleans, you stumble from one bar to the next.

4. Food: Sushi vs. Spice

Vancouver’s food scene is diverse and fresh, especially when it comes to sushi. Sushi joints here are like Starbucks—there’s one on every corner. Locals love their sustainable seafood, and don’t even think about ordering farmed salmon unless you want to be exiled.

New Orleans? It’s a flavor explosion. Cajun and Creole cuisine rule here—gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and beignets dusted in an ungodly amount of powdered sugar. The spice level? Let’s just say if you’re not sweating, you’re doing it wrong.

5. People & Culture: Polite vs. Party

Vancouverites are friendly, but in a polite and reserved kind of way. They’ll hold the door for you, say “sorry” even when it’s not their fault, and quietly judge you for not recycling properly.

New Orleanians, on the other hand, are the kind of people who will pull you into a dance party on the street, invite you to a crawfish boil, and tell you their life story before you’ve even introduced yourself. There’s a sense of joie de vivre in New Orleans that makes every day feel like a celebration.

Final Verdict? You Can’t Compare Apples and Beignets

Vancouver is a clean, nature-loving, high-cost-of-living haven where people are always hiking, drinking artisanal coffee, and complaining about real estate. New Orleans is a vibrant, history-soaked, jazz-filled party town where every meal is a feast, and every street has a story.

Both cities are amazing in their own way, but let’s be honest—if you’re looking for a quiet, scenic, West Coast lifestyle with a side of sushi, Vancouver is your place. If you’re in the mood for a nonstop festival with music, culture, and deep-fried deliciousness, then laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) in New Orleans!

Which city do you prefer? Let me know—preferably over a beignet or a craft beer. 🍻