Key factors that impact the cost of your New Orleans to Philadelphia movetoggle

The cost of New Orleans movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from New Orleans to Philadelphia (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,380, while larger moves may reach $8,840 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in New Orleans.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $933 to $2,405, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from New Orleans to Philadelphia

Moving from New Orleans to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in New Orleans than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how New Orleans compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:

New Orleans Philadelphia
Average rent cost $1,755 $1,695
Average home value $231,649 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $51,116 $70,746
Cost of living (single person) $3,134 $2,541
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,905 $6,190
Unemployment rate 11.0% 10.6%
Sales tax 10.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.25% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 3% lower than in New Orleans, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Philadelphia are 6.4% lower than in New Orleans.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 38.4% higher than in New Orleans, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 18.9% lower than in New Orleans. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 21.7% lower than in New Orleans.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 3.64% lower than in New Orleans.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Philadelphia are 20.00% lower than in New Orleans.
  • One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 27.76% lower than in New Orleans.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,432.35 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New Orleans.

How life is different in New Orleans vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia New Orleans
Population 1,603,797 383,997
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 75 58
Bike friendliness score 67 66
Crime Index 66.09 67.31
Safety Index 33.91 32.69
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Philadelphia is about 318% greater than New Orleans, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than New Orleans, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 7 in New Orleans. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Philadelphia means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in New Orleans. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than New Orleans, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 58 out of 100 in New Orleans. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • Philadelphia and New Orleans are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 67 and 66 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Philadelphia as New Orleans. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Philadelphia is generally as safe as New Orleans, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Philadelphia and New Orleans is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your New Orleans vs. Philadelphia move

  • Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Philadelphia. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Philadelphia

Ready to relocate to "Philly"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cedar Park
  • Fishtown
  • Manayunk
  • Point Breeze
  • Washington Square West

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bella Vista
  • Bustleton
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase

Things to do in Philadelphia

Now that you've made the move to Pennsylvania, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Philadelphia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Philadelphia, such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from New Orleans to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in New Orleans are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from New Orleans to Philadelphia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from New Orleans to Philadelphia take?

Moving from New Orleans, LA to Philadelphia, PA covers 1,223 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some New Orleans movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.

Helpful moving resources