Philadelphia, PA to New Orleans, LA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Philadelphia to New Orleans typically costs $2,800–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,224 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Philadelphia to New Orleans
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to New Orleans, LA typically costs $2,800–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,224-mile move from Philadelphia to New Orleans, 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,755 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,509 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,216 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 18, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to New Orleans
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,300, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,900.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($800–$2,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from New Orleans, LA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Best Philadelphia to New Orleans movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Philadelphia to New Orleans
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Philadelphia to New Orleans, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 PA→LA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 107 Pennsylvania moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to New Orleans
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - New Orleans runs about 23% higher for singles and 28% higher for families than Philadelphia.
Singles spend around $3,134 in New Orleans versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $7,905 compared with $6,190.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Philadelphia | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $3,150 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $231,649 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $51,116 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $7,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 11.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 4.25% |
- Budgeting for a move from Philadelphia to New Orleans won't necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 7% greater in New Orleans than in Philadelphia.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 28% lower in New Orleans compared to Philadelphia.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in New Orleans, since the cost of living for a single person in New Orleans is 23% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to New Orleans, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in New Orleans is 28% greater than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rates of New Orleans and Philadelphia are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes rise by 25% in New Orleans over Philadelphia, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 38% higher in Louisiana than in Pennsylvania, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Philadelphia and New Orleans:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $58.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $124.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $61.75 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in New Orleans.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in New Orleans.
- Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in New Orleans.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in New Orleans.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Philadelphia than in New Orleans.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Philadelphia than in New Orleans.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Philadelphia than in New Orleans.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. New Orleans
| Philadelphia | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 383,997 |
| Transportation 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 |
- New Orleans's population is about 76% less than Philadelphia.
- New Orleans's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
- New Orleans is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
- Both New Orleans and Philadelphia have similar bike-friendliness scores (67 vs 66), meaning New Orleans is about as safe for cyclists as Philadelphia. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- New Orleans and Philadelphia have a similar crime rate with scores of 67.31 and 66.09, respectively.
- New Orleans and Philadelphia have a similar safety level, with scores of 32.69 and 33.91.
- Air quality in New Orleans is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to New Orleans move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Louisiana doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to New Orleans. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in New Orleans
Now that you've decided to make the move to The 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
Things to do in New Orleans
Once you're settled into your new home in Louisiana, it's time to get out and discover what New Orleans has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout New Orleans, such as the The National WWII Museum, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's New Orleans City Park, Audubon Park, New Orleans Musical Legends Park, and Louis Armstrong Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an New Orleans Saints (NFL)New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)New Orleans Jesters (NPSL)Big Easy Rollergirls (WFTDA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to New Orleans?
The best time to move from Philadelphia to New Orleans is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to New Orleans?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to New Orleans, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to New Orleans take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to New Orleans, LA covers 1,224 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in New Orleans.
Which movers in Philadelphia give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Philadelphia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 53 movers in Philadelphia advertise piano moving expertise. 41 movers in Philadelphia provide antique moving services. State totals show 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
