New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from New Orleans to Chattanooga typically costs $2,200–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 489 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from New Orleans to Chattanooga
Moving from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN typically costs $2,200–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 489-mile move from New Orleans to Chattanooga, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,328 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,205 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,975 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 30, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 08, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from New Orleans to Chattanooga
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from New Orleans to Chattanooga might be as low as $1,300, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,200.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in New Orleans.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $500 to $1,200 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chattanooga, TN to New Orleans, LA guide.
Best New Orleans to Chattanooga movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from New Orleans to Chattanooga
When it comes to handling your interstate move from New Orleans to Chattanooga, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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→TN movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 Louisiana movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from New Orleans to Chattanooga
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chattanooga runs about 5% higher for singles and -45% higher for families than New Orleans.
Singles spend around $3,300 in Chattanooga versus $3,134 in New Orleans; families pay $4,350 compared with $7,905.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| New Orleans | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,813 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,150 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $231,649 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,905 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Chattanooga from New Orleans, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 16% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 31% higher in Chattanooga than in New Orleans.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 18% higher in Chattanooga than in New Orleans, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Chattanooga and New Orleans, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to Chattanooga could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 45% lower than in New Orleans.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 49% lower than New Orleans, Chattanooga boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Chattanooga than New Orleans, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between New Orleans and Chattanooga, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | New Orleans | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $244.46 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.50 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.50 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $124.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $61.75 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in New Orleans than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in New Orleans than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs cost more in New Orleans than in Chattanooga.
- Bread is more expensive in New Orleans than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New Orleans than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New Orleans than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships cost more in New Orleans than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Chattanooga
| New Orleans | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 383,997 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 58 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 35 |
| Crime index | 67.31 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 32.69 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga's population is about 53% less than New Orleans.
- Chattanooga's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than New Orleans's score of 7.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 29 out of 100 vs New Orleans's 58 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as New Orleans, which has a score of 66.
- Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 53.89 compared to New Orleans's 67.31. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than New Orleans with a safety index of 46.11 vs New Orleans's 32.69.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in New Orleans it's Good.
Other things to consider for your New Orleans to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chattanooga without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Ready to relocate to Scenic City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chattanooga.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
Now that you've made the move to Tennessee, it's the perfect time to explore Chattanooga. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chattanooga include museums and art centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum - Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross's Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Chattanooga?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from New Orleans to Chattanooga. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in New Orleans.
When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Chattanooga?
With many people choosing to move from New Orleans to Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga take?
Covering 489 miles, the move from New Orleans, LA to Chattanooga, TN typically takes one to four days. Some New Orleans movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chattanooga can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in New Orleans offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in New Orleans offer AAA member savings.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in New Orleans can handle specialty items for my move to Chattanooga?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In New Orleans, 7 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of LA, there are 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
