Best Chicago to New Orleans Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Chicago to New Orleans and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 928 mile move from Illinois to Louisiana go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 36 Chicago to New Orleans moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to New Orleans. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Chicago to New Orleans Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.32 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Bart's Office Inc. | 6.97 | 2.12 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 5 | Two Men and a Truck | 6.87 | 6.35 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to New Orleans
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 928 miles from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA will cost on average $2,570 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to New Orleans move is roughly $6,173. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,729 | 300 ft³ | 5.76 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,570 | 450 ft³ | 5.71 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,246 | 750 ft³ | 5.66 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,173 | 1100 ft³ | 5.61 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,899 | 1600 ft³ | 5.56 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,922 | 1800 ft³ | 5.51 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from New Orleans to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to New Orleans Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
315 S Harrison St
Geneva, IL, 60134
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
Bart's Office Inc.
2838 Elysian Fields Ave
New Orleans, LA, 70122
About Bart's Office Inc.
Bart's Office, founded in 1978, stands out in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area as a moving company that specializes in commercial...
Services
- Full service commercial relocation
- Installation/reconfiguration of cubical office space
- Restaurant & Apartment appliance installation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2118069 / 739860 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2023) |
Two Men and a Truck
5029 Bloomfield St
New Orleans, LA, 70121
About Two Men and a Truck
In just over 35 years of operation, Two Men and A Truck has come from humble beginnings to becoming one of...
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2147737 / 746991 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 13 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 2,300,000 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Chicago vs. New Orleans Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using Chicago, IL & New Orleans, LA local neighborhoods as a baseline. Whether you're seeking a vibrant community, scenic parks, or a foodie's haven, we'll help you find a comparable neighborhood in your new city.
| Chicago | New Orleans | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Garden District | Historic homes, lush gardens |
| Wicker Park | Marigny | Bohemian vibes, live music |
| Gold Coast | French Quarter | Upscale, vibrant nightlife |
| Andersonville | Uptown | Diverse community, historic charm |
| The Loop | Central Business District | Urban center, professional scene |
| Logan Square | Bywater | Artistic, trendy eateries |
| Lakeview | Mid-City | Lively, with diverse food options |
| Hyde Park | Treme | Cultural rich, historic music venues |
| River North | Warehouse District | Chic lofts, art galleries |
| Old Town | Lower Garden District | Quaint shops, charming atmosphere |
Moving from Chicago's vibrant community of Lincoln Park with its scenic parks like Lincoln Park itself, to the Garden District in New Orleans means you won't miss out on strolling through lush, green spaces and admiring historic homes. Envision yourself attending jazz brunches at the famous Commander's Palace in the Garden District, akin to enjoying a classy evening at Alinea in Lincoln Park. For those charmed by the artistic and Bohemian vibes of Wicker Park, the Marigny neighborhood with spots like the Bacchanal Wine offers a similarly eclectic mix of live music and a strong artistic community. Transitioning from the Gold Coast's upscale shopping and vibrant nightlife to the French Quarter ensures you'll continue to experience top-tier dining and entertainment, with historic venues like Preservation Hall offering unforgettable jazz performances.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to New Orleans
Moving can be a big decision, and it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of transitioning from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA meticulously. This comparison aims to showcase an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision.
| Cons | Pros |
|---|---|
| Harsh winters | Milder winters |
| Higher taxes | Lower taxes |
| Dense urban living | Laid-back lifestyle |
| Less cultural diversity | Rich cultural mix |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant cultural scene | Higher humidity |
| Extensive public transportation | Less public transit options |
| More job opportunities | Potentially fewer jobs |
| Broad culinary variety | Smaller food scene |
When moving from Chicago to New Orleans, you're transitioning from a bustling metropolis renowned for its culinary diversity and vibrant cultural scene, represented by places like Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, to a city celebrated for its rich history, profound cultural mix, and the iconic French Quarter. While Chicago offers more extensive public transportation and a broader job market, New Orleans invites a laid-back lifestyle with milder winters and a close-knit community atmosphere emphasized in areas like the Garden District and along the banks of the Mississippi River. The decision to move from the Windy City to The Big Easy involves not just a change of scenery but a shift towards embracing a city steeped in music, food, and festivals, where every corner tells a story, from the street performers at Jackson Square to the historic tours of Marigny.
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- Higher taxes
- Dense urban living
- Less cultural diversity
New Orleans, LA- Milder winters
- Lower taxes
- Laid-back lifestyle
- Rich cultural mix
New Orleans, LA- Higher humidity
- Less public transit options
- Potentially fewer jobs
- Smaller food scene
Chicago, IL- Vibrant cultural scene
- Extensive public transportation
- More job opportunities
- Broad culinary variety
Chicago vs. New Orleans Food Guide
Understanding the diverse culinary landscapes of a city is vital to getting a true sense of its culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we'll explore how the local cuisine between Chicago & New Orleans offers unique and vibrant food scenes for those considering a move. This comparison will give you a better idea of what culinary delights await you in your new home.
| Chicago | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish Pizza | Gumbo |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Jambalaya |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Po'boys |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago-style Vegan Pizza | Creole Tomatoes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chicago, the deep-dish pizza reigns supreme, a must-try for any new resident. Head to neighborhoods like The Loop or River North, where iconic pizzerias, including Aurelio's and others, offer a slice of this hearty, cheesy delight. On the other hand, New Orleans will enchant you with its rich Gumbo and Jambalaya, staples of Creole cuisine. The French Quarter and Garden District are home to iconic restaurants such as Commander's Palace, where the history is as rich as the flavors. Both cities boast a vibrant street food scene; however, New Orleans’ Po'boys offer a unique taste of local flavors that cannot be missed. The food scenes in both cities are diverse, offering something for everyone, from food truck aficionados to fitness and health enthusiasts.
Chicago vs. New Orleans Restaurant Comparison
When setting up roots in a new city, discovering places that serve your favorite dishes can instantly make you feel more at home. This restaurant comparison between Chicago and New Orleans aims to bridge the culinary gap, helping you find your next go-to eatery by leveraging your familiar favorites from the Windy City.
| Chicago | New Orleans | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Commander's Palace | Both offer an upscale, fine dining experience with innovative dishes. |
| Girl & The Goat | Compère Lapin | Similar in their eclectic, globally-inspired menus, focusing on bold flavors. |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Domenica | Both pizzerias are renowned for their unique take on classic pizza recipes. |
| Portillo's | Johnny's Po-Boys | Iconic to their respective cities for offering fast, delicious, and classic regional eats. |
| Gene & Jude's | Willie Mae's Scotch House | Though known for different dishes, each is a go-to for authentic, comfort food. |
| The Publican | Herbsaint | Both are celebrated for their farm-to-table approach and rustic, yet refined menus. |
| Smoque BBQ | The Joint | BBQ lovers will relish in the similar dedication to smoked meats and down-home sides. |
| Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill | Mulate's | While the cuisine focus differs, both are loved for their lively atmosphere and authentic flavors. |
| MingHin Cuisine | Red's Chinese | Offering a unique twist on traditional cuisine, both restaurants provide an innovative dining experience. |
| Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio | Shaya | Innovative Italian meets Middle Eastern, both excel in pastas and breads made with artisanal flair. |
Finding a restaurant that captures the essence of your favorite Chicago eatery in New Orleans might seem daunting at first. Yet, Commander's Palace's commitment to fine dining, comparable to Alinea's meticulous approach to gastronomy, ensures an exquisite experience. For those missing the bold and global flavors of Girl & The Goat, Compère Lapin steps up as a worthy contender, weaving Caribbean influences with Creole sensibility. Meanwhile, nostalgia for Chicago's iconic eateries like Portillo's can be sated with a visit to Johnny's Po-Boys, where the essence of casual, regional fare continues to thrive. Whether it's the innovative pastas of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio finding a parallel at Shaya, or the smoky delights of Smoque BBQ echoing in The Joint, New Orleans's vibrant culinary scene holds a mirror to Chicago's, promising new favorites in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. New Orleans Real Estate & Living Facts
When contemplating a move, comparing the real estate environments of Chicago, IL , and New Orleans, LA , is crucial for making an informed decision. This guide aims to highlight the key differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle scores to better prepare you for what to expect in each city.
| Comparison | Chicago | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Greystone | Creole Cottage, Shotgun |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, Luxury Amenities | Historic Details, Proximity to French Quarter |
Moving from Chicago to New Orleans brings a notable change in lifestyle and housing experiences. Chicago's housing market is distinguished by its modern traits and the prevalence of luxury amenities in real estate listings, making it an attractive destination for those seeking an urban lifestyle with a touch of sophistication. On the other hand, New Orleans' unique architectural styles, such as the Creole cottages and the iconic shotgun houses, reflect the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Additionally, the proximity to the French Quarter is often highlighted in New Orleans' real estate listings, establishing a closer connection to the city's vibrant lifestyle and festivities.
Chicago vs. New Orleans Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another involves many considerations, and understanding how the weather compares between your current location and your new one is crucial. This comparison will enlighten you on what to expect weather-wise, making your transition smoother. Weather comparisons between Chicago and New Orleans highlight significant differences in climate, sunshine, and more, aiding in your preparation for the move.
Chicago, IL
New Orleans, LA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
New Orleans, LA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
New Orleans, LA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
New Orleans, LA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Chicago to New Orleans, you'll experience not only a warmer climate but also significantly more humidity and sunshine throughout the year. The milder winters of New Orleans come without snow, a stark contrast to Chicago's snow-filled winters. The higher humidity in New Orleans may take some adjustment, particularly during the summer months when heat indices can surge. On the plus side, the extra sunshine and longer warm seasons in New Orleans enhance outdoor activity opportunities, though it's also important to consider the increased risk of hurricanes and the necessity for appropriate preparedness strategies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to New Orleans
When considering a move from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living, taxes, and local economy will impact your finances. This comparison sheds light on the financial aspects that differentiate Chicago from New Orleans to help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Chicago | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $46,942 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 96 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 6.0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.12 | 0.52 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 9.45 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Tourism, Port Operations, Energy |
| Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Significant |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Worrisome |
Despite a higher cost of living index in Chicago, the average household income is significantly greater than in New Orleans. However, New Orleans presents a more affordable property tax rate, potentially making homeownership more accessible. The distinct local economies, highlighted by Chicago's focus on finance and manufacturing versus New Orleans' emphasis on tourism and port operations, can offer diverse job opportunities depending on your career field. Understanding these differences is key to preparing for the financial transition between these two unique cities.
Chicago vs. New Orleans Political & Religious Comparison
When preparing for a move from Chicago, IL, to New Orleans, LA, it’s essential to understand the communities you'll be joining. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Chicago & New Orleans and a glimpse into the religious makeup, to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot.
| Chicago | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratic-leaning | Democratic-leaning |
| Local Politics | Highly active city politics | Highly engaged in local issues |
| Religion | Diverse; large Catholic population | Strong Catholic presence, significant diversity |
In both Chicago and New Orleans, you'll find communities that lean Democratic, reflecting a consensus on various progressive issues. Local politics play a significant role in shaping the cities' futures, with residents actively engaged in discussions and initiatives that impact their communities. Regarding religious makeup, both cities boast a diverse range of faiths, although they are notably marked by a strong Catholic presence. This similarity may make the cultural transition smoother for you, allowing for easier integration into your new surroundings.
Chicago vs. New Orleans Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL, to New Orleans, LA, involves not just a change of scenery but also adapting to new daily commute routines. This comparison is intended to give you a better understanding of what the daily commute and traffic is like between Chicago & New Orleans.
| Comparison | Chicago | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with effort | Yes, but more challenging |
Moving from the bustling streets of Chicago to the more laid-back vibes of New Orleans, you'll notice considerable changes in your commuting experiences. In Chicago, the extensive public transit system, including the CTA buses and trains, make it feasible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle, though it might require some effort. On the other hand, New Orleans' more limited public transit options, such as the famous streetcars, mean that getting around might demand more reliance on a car, despite the city's smaller size and less traffic congestion. Adapting to these differences will be an essential part of making your new city feel like home.
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