New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from New Orleans to Chicago typically costs $2,900–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 925 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from New Orleans to Chicago
Moving from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL typically costs $2,900–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 925-mile move from New Orleans to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,605 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $2,749 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,266 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 31, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 06, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 28, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your New Orleans to Chicago move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,100 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in New Orleans.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $1,800, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA guide.
Best New Orleans to Chicago movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from New Orleans to Chicago
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from New Orleans to Chicago much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best LA→IL movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 32 Louisiana movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from New Orleans to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 16% higher for singles and 17% higher for families than New Orleans.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $3,134 in New Orleans; families pay $9,266 compared with $7,905.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| New Orleans | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,813 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,150 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $231,649 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,905 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.95% |
- Planning a move to Chicago? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 17% higher than in New Orleans, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Chicago are about 28% higher than those in New Orleans.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 40% higher in Chicago compared to New Orleans, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Chicago, as living costs for a single person are 16% higher than in New Orleans. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 17% higher than in New Orleans.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is about 18% lower than in New Orleans. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Chicago and New Orleans (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in Illinois are 16% above those in Louisiana. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between New Orleans and Chicago:
| Living Expense | New Orleans | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $244.46 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.50 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $124.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $61.75 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in New Orleans than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in New Orleans than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in New Orleans than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in New Orleans than in Chicago.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New Orleans than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New Orleans than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in New Orleans than in Chicago.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Chicago
| New Orleans | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 383,997 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 58 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 72 |
| Crime index | 67.31 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 32.69 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 615% greater than New Orleans.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than New Orleans's score of 7.
- Chicago is more walkable than New Orleans with a score of 77 out of 100 vs New Orleans's 58 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than New Orleans, which has a score of 66 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 35.19 compared to New Orleans's 67.31. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
- Chicago and New Orleans have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.87 and 32.69.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in New Orleans it's Good.
Other things to consider for your New Orleans to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Illinois’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chicago
Planning your move to Chi-Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Chicago?
Planning your move from New Orleans to Chicago? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in New Orleans.
When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from New Orleans to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from New Orleans to Chicago take?
The 925-mile journey from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in New Orleans offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.
Are there special savings available from movers in New Orleans?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in New Orleans?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In New Orleans, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Louisiana has 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
