Here's the TRUE Cost of Attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Carnival season is upon us. Bring on the krewe parades, balls, throws, food, fun, and beads (of course). If you plan ahead, you'll be able to enjoy the fun in New Orleans without leaving your wallet hung over.

We look at what you can expect to spend at Mardi Gras, from flights to lodging to streetcar rides.

Before You Get There

Book Your Flights ASAP

The most cost-efficient way to do Mardi Gras is on foot. But that's not quite feasible if you don't live within walking distance of the major festivities in New Orleans. Unless you're planning to drive, you'll want to book your flights ASAP.

SEE ALSO: 5 Ways to Save on Your Next Flight

We checked out the airfare ranges for round trips to New Orleans from some of the major cities in the U.S. If you leave on March 2— the Saturday before Fat Tuesday — and come back on March 6, here's what you can expect to pay:

• Atlanta: $197 to $1,633

• Charlotte: $680 to $1,174

• Chicago: $303 to $1,313

• Dallas: $222 to $1,398

• Los Angeles: $379 to $1,659

• Orlando: $134 to $1,150

• Miami: $587 to $1,256

• New York City: $402 to $1,850

To potentially lower the price of your flights, adjust your flight dates and times. Most stay from the Saturday before Fat Tuesday until Ash Wednesday. Leaving a few days earlier and/or returning a few days later could save you a nice chunk of change. Also consider flying on separate airlines for your departure and return.

Another trick is to snag deals when you spot them. This massive party is always a big hit, so don't count on several empty seats being available. Consider last-minute bundle deals that include both flights and accommodations.

Don't Forget About Lodging

Due to increased demand, you shouldn't expect to snag hotel bargains at this point. In fact, most properties near the festivities are priced at hundreds of dollars a night and/or close to being sold out (if they aren't sold out already).

The remaining properties in New Orleans have nightly rates ranging from $168 to $2,000 on Expedia. To get the lower prices, you may have to stay outside of New Orleans in one of the surrounding cities. To get a hotel in the French Quarter, you'll have to fork over at least $296 a night.

Want cheaper accommodations? Airbnb may be a better option, with rooms as low as $75 a night.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

Remember, you won't be spending a ton of time in your hotel room. But you do need to decide if you'd prefer staying within walking distance of the parade routes and other festivities. If you're open to public transportation, you may be able to snag a deal on lodging that's a bit farther out. Here's a ranking of areas to stay in, based on proximity to the festivities.

• Top Choice: Close to Bourbon Street (where all the action happens)

• Second Choice: Somewhere in the French Quarter

• Third Choice: Downtown (adjacent to the French Quarter; anywhere off Canal Street or Poydras Street)

• Fourth Choice: Surrounding cities, like Kenner, Metairie, Slidell, Westbank (including Marrero and Algiers), and Chalmette

During Your Visit

How to Get Around New Orleans

Expect loads of traffic congestion, strict parking enforcement, and closed streets when you arrive. For these reasons, it's best to skip the rental car and foot it to and from the festivities if you're staying nearby. If you rent a car, stick with a monitored lot and be prepared to pay a fee.

And if you're settling for a place downtown or in one of the surrounding cities, ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber are always an option. These are also ideal when traveling to and from the airport, or anywhere else around the city — but keep in mind that surge pricing may apply due to increased demand.

Not comfortable with ride-hailing? Plenty of cabs can take you where you need to go. Companies like United Cabs Inc. also offer a mobile app, so you can book your trip at the tap of a fingertip. Or you can download the Curb taxi app to explore other taxi options in the area.

You can also hop on a streetcar for only $1.25 per fare. Another option is to purchase the 1-, 3-, or 5-day Jazzy Pass for $3, $9, or $15, respectively. And if you're planning to stick around longer, you can get a 31-day Jazzy Pass, available through the Regional Transit Authority for $55. Even better, fares can be paid directly from your smartphone via the RTA GoMobile App.

Food, Drinks, and Fun!

Food
It's not necessary to spend a fortune on food, as there are several places to choose from. But the top spots you read about online will probably be filled to capacity, so small-scale restaurants may be the better option.

If you insist on dining out at a place like Acme Oyster House, Antoine's, or Mother's, make your reservations well in advance.

SEE ALSO: More Than New Orleans: 7 OTHER Cities That Celebrate Mardi Gras

Furthermore, prices at restaurants within close proximity (that are open) can be sky-high. And since most parade routes may be jam-packed, you may find it difficult to get where you want to go. A word of advice: Bring your own food, snacks, and beverages along to save yourself money and headaches once things pick up.

Drinks
Drink specials are everywhere! If you step into a bar and they don't have one, keep moving, as you could find a better deal just steps away. Bring your own bottled water along, as it is substantially more expensive than alcoholic beverages. Go figure!

Fun
All the fun that Mardi Gras has to offer started in January, both in New Orleans and in other cities. However, Fat Tuesday is the most popular day — and the official last day of the festival season. It's loads of fun, and most of the festivities are free. Well, that's unless you want to attend a krewe ball, visit the Mardi Gras exhibit at The Presbytère (part of the Louisiana State Museum), or go on the Mardi Gras World tour.

Total Estimated Costs

The cost of spending Mardi Gras in New Orleans will depend on when you make travel arrangements, where you dine, and the activities you choose to participate in. But here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• Airfare: $400 to $700. (You may have to select a flight with a layover or adjust your travel dates.)

• Lodging: $300 to $500 per night. (Airbnb could drastically reduce this cost. Or you could stay farther away, but you'll need to factor in the increase in transportation costs.)

• Transportation: Free (if you foot it), or $25 to $50 per day (depending on where you stay in the city).

• Food: Varies by your personal preference, but expect to spend a few hundred bucks here if you aren't prepared.

• Entertainment: Free (unless you plan to attend an event that charges an entry fee).

Bonus Tip: Consider Skipping Fat Tuesday

If you're looking to trim a hefty amount off your Mardi Gras travel budget, consider heading to New Orleans before Fat Tuesday and partaking in all the fun early. You'll spend less on lodging and transportation, and you won't miss out on the spectacular parades.

SEE ALSO: 9 Expensive Travel Mistakes You're Making

More than 60 parades take place before Fat Tuesday, so you'll have plenty to see. You can look at the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule, or download the Mardi Gras Parade Tracker app directly to your mobile device.

Readers, have you attended Mardi Gras in the past? What did you spend on average, and do you have any other money-saving tips? Let us know in the comments below!