Moving from Gilbert, AZ to New Orleans, LA
Cross-country relocations like Gilbert, AZ β New Orleans, LA cover 1519 mi and about 26h 25m of driving through 4 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1519 mi Β· 26h 25m by car Β· LA β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 87, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Beaumont, Pasadena, League City, Houston, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | New Orleans | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.597 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 71.231 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 86.009 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 92.597, putting New Orleans roughly 10.4% below Gilbert on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in New Orleans: 10.4% below Gilbert on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, New Orleans -3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 60.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in New Orleans β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 376,035 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $55,339 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.43 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.4% between Gilbert and New Orleans (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 Arizona 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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 91Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β 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
Is New Orleans more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New Orleans is 10.4% lower than Gilbert (92.597 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to New Orleans?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1519 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Gilbert vs New Orleans?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,339 in New Orleans vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 54.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is New Orleans, LA from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 1519 mi and the route typically takes 26h 25m via I 10 and US 87. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in New Orleans compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,493 in New Orleans vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 57.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in New Orleans compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 514,800 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· New Orleans, LA.