$1,267 Movers From Chicago to New Orleans

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA averages from $767 to $6,819 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to New Orleans, LA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from New Orleans to Chicago guide.

Moving from Chicago to New Orleans resources

Moving 928 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to New Orleans?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,267 - $5,118 $978 - $2,356 $703 - $1,331
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,678 - $6,819 $1,705 - $3,414 $767 - $1,566
4+ bedrooms $4,449 - $8,393 $2,205 - $4,435 $982 - $1,942
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 928 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to New Orleans will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to New Orleans?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to New Orleans will cost between $1,267 to $5,118. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,678 to $6,819, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to New Orleans will cost from $4,449 to $8,393.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to New Orleans?

Moving containers from Chicago to New Orleans will cost you $978 to $2,356 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,705 to $3,414. A larger home will cost $2,205 to $4,435.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to New Orleans?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $703 to $1,331. A larger move will cost $767 to $1,566, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to New Orleans costs from $982 to $1,942. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to New Orleans moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to New Orleans is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to New Orleans.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to New Orleans

Cost of living: Chicago vs New Orleans

Chicago New Orleans
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,745
Average home value $306,098 $248,468
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $45,594
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,190
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $4,271
Unemployment rate 9.0% 11.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.45%
State Income Tax 4.95% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in New Orleans are 9% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in New Orleans are 18.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in New Orleans is 30.5% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in New Orleans is 18.9% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in New Orleans is 19.2% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in New Orleans is 22.22% higher than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in New Orleans are 7.80% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in New Orleans are 14.14% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,566.43 in New Orleans to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to New Orleans?

New Orleans Chicago
Population 383,997 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 9
Walkability score 58 77
Bike friendliness score 66 72
Crime Index 67.22 35.19
Safety Index 32.78 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • New Orleans's population is about 86% less than Chicago.
  • New Orleans's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • New Orleans is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • New Orleans is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 66 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • New Orleans's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 67.22 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.22% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • New Orleans is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 32.78 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in New Orleans is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to New Orleans

  • Weather: New Orleans has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to the area, and the city is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, because it is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south and because of Louisiana's sinking coast..
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Louisiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to New Orleans. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in New Orleans

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Crescent City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in New Orleans.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Central Business District
  • Freret
  • Gentilly Terrace
  • Old Aurora
  • West End

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Algiers Point
  • Bayou St. John
  • East Carrollton
  • Fillmore
  • West End

What to do in New Orleans

These are some of the best things to do in your new Louisiana home.

  • Bourbon Street
  • French Quarter
  • Royal Street
  • City Park
  • Jackson Square
  • St Louis Cathedral
  • Frenchmen Street
  • National WWII Museum
  • Historic New Orleans Collection
  • Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Get your sports on!

New Orleans is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • New Orleans Saints (NFL)
  • New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
  • New Orleans Jesters (NPSL)
  • Big Easy Rollergirls (WFTDA)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to New Orleans

When is the best time to move from Chicago to New Orleans?

The best time to move from Chicago to New Orleans is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 92ºF and the winter lows of 45ºF in New Orleans.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to New Orleans?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to New Orleans in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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