Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to New Orleanstoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to New Orleans can be as low as $1,773 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $14,249.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,739 to $4,179. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to New Orleans

Portland New Orleans
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,755
Average home value $522,596 $231,649
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $51,116
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $1,322
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $4,755
Unemployment rate 6.9% 11.0%
Sales tax 0.0% 10.0%
State income tax 9.9% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in New Orleans are 15% higher than in Portland.
  • Home prices in New Orleans are 55.7% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in New Orleans is 40.5% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in New Orleans is 48.6% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in New Orleans is 21.8% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in New Orleans is 59.42% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in New Orleans are 10.00% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in New Orleans are 57.07% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,541.99 in New Orleans to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. New Orleans

New Orleans Portland
Population 383,997 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 8
Walkability score 58 81
Bike friendliness score 66 92
Crime Index 67.31 57.37
Safety Index 32.69 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • New Orleans's population is about 41% less than Portland.
  • New Orleans's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 8.
  • New Orleans is less walkable than Portland with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
  • New Orleans has a bike-friendliness score 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
  • New Orleans's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 67.31 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • New Orleans is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 32.69 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in New Orleans is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. New Orleans move

  • Weather: New Orleans has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to the area, and the city is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, because it is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south and because of Louisiana's sinking coast.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: If youโ€™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 verify a Louisiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Louisiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Crescent City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in New Orleans.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Central Business District
  • Freret
  • Gentilly Terrace
  • Old Aurora
  • West End

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Algiers Point
  • Bayou St. John
  • East Carrollton
  • Fillmore
  • West End

Things to do in New Orleanstoggle

After settling into your new Louisiana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, New Orleans has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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, The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA, and New Orleans Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s New Orleans City Park, Audubon Park, New Orleans Musical Legends Park, and Louis Armstrong Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • 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), or Big Easy Rollergirls (WFTDA) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Portland 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 Portland.

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

Because most people are moving from Portland to New Orleans in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Portland to New Orleans take?

The 2,539-mile move from Portland, OR, to New Orleans, LA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in New Orleans.

Helpful moving resources