Moving from Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA
It is a 393 mi drive, roughly 7h 28m, between Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
393 mi · 7h 28m by car · TN → MS → LA
What this move changes most
- Most of the cost step-up is in shelter: ZHVI runs 67.6% above Memphis while the overall price level only moves 0.5%. Non-housing categories (groceries, services) are closer to U.S. average.
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 49, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Typical moving cost: Memphis → New Orleans
| Service type | Typical range | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| DIY rental truck | $400 – $1.2k | — |
| Portable container | $800 – $2.2k | 2–5 days in transit |
| Full-service movers | $1.8k – $5.5k | 1–4 days delivery window |
Ranges above reflect industry-aggregate quotes for a mid-range move (393 mi). Household size, access, season, and accessorial services shift the final number within the range.
- DIY rental truck: One-way truck rental including base rate, estimated fuel, and per-mile surcharges. Drop-off fees vary by destination metro.
- Portable container: Regional container move between adjoining or nearby states. Monthly storage extra if not unloaded promptly.
- Full-service movers: Interstate full-service move at regional distance. Binding or not-to-exceed quotes available on request.
Expect 20–30% higher quotes between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season) across all service types. October through April is the low-rate window.
Ranges reflect industry-aggregate quotes (U-Haul, Penske, PODS, U-Pack, Allied, Mayflower, North American, HireAHelper), reviewed 2026. Actual pricing depends on season, household size, access, and accessorial services; always collect binding or not-to-exceed quotes from licensed carriers.
Cost of living
| Memphis | New Orleans | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 92.597 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 71.231 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 86.009 | 100.0 |
Memphis and New Orleans sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $144,710 in Memphis to $242,493 in New Orleans, a 0.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, New Orleans -3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 47°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 60.1" |
Annual temperature rises 7.5°F moving to New Orleans per NOAA normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: New Orleans sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 376,035 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $55,339 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.43 |
Households in New Orleans earn about 0.5% more at the median — ACS 5-year 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 Tennessee and Louisiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Louisiana requires new residents to transfer driver license and vehicle registration within 30 days of 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.
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.
- 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 does household income compare in Memphis vs New Orleans?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,339 in New Orleans vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 8.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in New Orleans compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,493 in New Orleans vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 67.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is New Orleans, LA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 393 mi and the route typically takes 7h 28m via I 55 and US 49. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in New Orleans compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 514,800 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 393 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is New Orleans more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New Orleans is 0.5% higher than Memphis (92.597 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Are there income tax differences between Tennessee and Louisiana?
State income tax top rates: Tennessee no state income tax, Louisiana 3% top marginal (Tax Foundation, current year). Louisiana has a 30-day window to transfer your driver license and register your vehicle after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and New Orleans?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.9°F in New Orleans vs 63.4°F in Memphis (7.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 60.1 in vs 54.9 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · New Orleans, LA.