Seattle, WA to New Orleans, LA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to New Orleans typically costs $4,700–$9,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,586 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Seattle to New Orleans
Moving from Seattle, WA to New Orleans, LA typically costs $4,700–$9,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,586-mile move from Seattle 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 $6,664 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,101 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,448 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
3 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 16, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 04, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 01, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Seattle to New Orleans
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Seattle to New Orleans may only cost $3,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $15,100.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Seattle.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,700–$4,600), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from New Orleans, LA to Seattle, WA guide.
Best Seattle to New Orleans movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Seattle to New Orleans
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Seattle to New Orleans. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 WA→LA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 94 Washington moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Seattle to New Orleans
Many movers find New Orleans easier on the wallet than Seattle - roughly 16% less for singles and 19% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,134 for one person in New Orleans versus $3,740 in Seattle. For a family of four, it's $7,905 compared with $9,801.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Seattle | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $1,813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $3,150 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $231,649 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $51,116 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $7,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 11.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 11% less expensive in New Orleans than in Seattle, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 72% cheaper in New Orleans than in Seattle.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 34% less in New Orleans than in Seattle.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in New Orleans. The cost of living for a single person there is 16% below that of Seattle.
- A move to New Orleans can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 19% lower compared to Seattle.
- New Orleans has a higher unemployment rate than Seattle by about 129%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both New Orleans and Seattle (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Louisiana has a state income tax, while Washington 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Seattle versus New Orleans:
| Living Expense | Seattle | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $58.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $124.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $61.75 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in New Orleans.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Seattle than in New Orleans.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in New Orleans.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in New Orleans.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Seattle than in New Orleans.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Seattle than in New Orleans.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in New Orleans.
How life is different in Seattle vs. New Orleans
| Seattle | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 383,997 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 58 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 66 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 67.31 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 32.69 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- New Orleans's population is about 48% less than Seattle.
- New Orleans's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Seattle's score of 8.
- New Orleans is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
- New Orleans has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- New Orleans's crime rate is higher than Seattle with a score of 67.31 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- New Orleans is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 32.69 vs Seattle's 49.23.
- Air quality in New Orleans is Good, and in Seattle it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to New Orleans move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Louisiana, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Louisiana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in New Orleans
With your sights set on The Crescent City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Louisiana complete, you can dive right into experiencing New Orleans. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: New Orleans is home to museums and cultural arts 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: The city's New Orleans City Park, Audubon Park, New Orleans Musical Legends Park, and Louis Armstrong Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team 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 Seattle to New Orleans?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Seattle to New Orleans. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to New Orleans?
Want to save on your move from Seattle to New Orleans? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Seattle to New Orleans take?
The 2,586-mile move from Seattle, WA, to New Orleans, LA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Seattle movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in New Orleans.
What kinds of discounts do Seattle movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Seattle?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 47 movers in Seattle provide piano moving services. 35 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
