Moving from Allentown, PA to New Orleans, LA
Relocating 1207 mi from Allentown to New Orleans is a 22h 22m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1207 mi · 22h 22m by car · LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | New Orleans | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 92.597 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 71.231 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 86.009 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.4% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has New Orleans at 92.597 vs Allentown at 99.968.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.4% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $309,699 to $242,493 moving to New Orleans.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, New Orleans -3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 47°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 60.1" |
Expect 17.8°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
New Orleans gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 376,035 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $55,339 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.43 |
Median household incomes in Allentown ($53,403) and New Orleans ($55,339) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in New Orleans MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 64,460 | $38,680 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 59,980 | $26,320 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 48,630 | $37,420 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 48,580 | $31,100 |
| Management Occupations | 33,120 | $101,850 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Louisiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Louisiana's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in New Orleans average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: New Orleans averages 60.1 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — stock a basic emergency kit during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Louisiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is New Orleans, LA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1207 mi and the route typically takes 22h 22m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs New Orleans?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,339 in New Orleans vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 3.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in New Orleans compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 514,800 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to New Orleans?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1207 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is New Orleans more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New Orleans is 7.4% lower than Allentown (92.597 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and New Orleans?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.9°F in New Orleans vs 53.1°F in Allentown (17.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 60.1 in vs 47.4 in.
How much do homes cost in New Orleans compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,493 in New Orleans vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 21.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · New Orleans, LA.