McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best TX→LA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 291 Texas 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 McAllen to New Orleans

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - New Orleans runs about 115% higher for singles and 122% higher for families than McAllen.

Singles spend around $3,134 in New Orleans versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $7,905 compared with $3,557.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	McAllen	New Orleans
Average 1 BR rent	$813	$1,813
Average 3 BR rent	$1,360	$3,150
Average home value	$221,244	$231,649
Average income (per capita)	$57,439	$51,116
Cost of living (single)	$1,457	$3,134
Cost of living (family of four)	$3,557	$7,905
Unemployment rate	7.9%	11.0%
Sales tax	8.25%	10.0%
State income tax	0.0%	4.25%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 30% higher in New Orleans than in McAllen, which may impact your monthly finances.
The home prices in New Orleans and McAllen differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 11% lower in New Orleans than in McAllen.
Anticipate increased living expenses in New Orleans, as the cost of living for a single person in New Orleans is 115% greater than in McAllen. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
As you plan your move to New Orleans, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 122% more than it is in McAllen.
The unemployment rate in New Orleans exceeds that of McAllen by about 39%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
Sales taxes in New Orleans exceed those in McAllen by 21%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
Louisiana has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between McAllen and New Orleans, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	McAllen	New Orleans
Basic utilities	$169.85	$244.46
Cell phone plan	$39.43	$58.50
Dozen eggs	$3.23	$4.35
Loaf of bread	$2.95	$4.03
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$12.00	$25.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$62.50	$124.00
Gym membership	$45.00	$61.75

Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in New Orleans, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in New Orleans.
Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in New Orleans.
Bread costs less in McAllen than in New Orleans.
A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in New Orleans.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in New Orleans.
Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in New Orleans.

How life is different in McAllen vs. New Orleans

	McAllen	New Orleans
Population	142,210	383,997
Transportation score	3	7
Walkability score	41	58
Bike friendliness score	46	66
Crime index	36.26	67.31
Safety index	63.74	32.69
Air quality	Moderate	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

New Orleans's population is about 170% greater than McAllen.
New Orleans's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
New Orleans is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 58 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
With a score of 66 out of 100, New Orleans is more bike-friendly than McAllen, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
New Orleans's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 67.31 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
New Orleans is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 32.69 vs McAllen's 63.74.
Air quality in New Orleans is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.

Other things to consider for your McAllen to New Orleans 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: 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 check the status of a Louisiana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Louisiana, 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 New Orleans 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. 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.

Where to live in New Orleans

Ready to relocate to The Crescent City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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

Now that you've made the move to Louisiana, it's the perfect time to explore New Orleans. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in New Orleans include museums and art centers like 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate New Orleans City Park, Audubon Park, New Orleans Musical Legends Park, and Louis Armstrong Park, 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 New Orleans Saints (NFL)New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)New Orleans Jesters (NPSL)Big Easy Rollergirls (WFTDA) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from McAllen to New Orleans. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in McAllen.

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

With many people choosing to move from McAllen to New Orleans 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 McAllen to New Orleans take?

Covering 694 miles, the move from McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA typically takes one to six days. Some McAllen movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in New Orleans can help bridge the gap.

How many movers in McAllen can handle specialty items for my move to New Orleans?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In McAllen, 5 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 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.