Moving from New Orleans, LA to Naperville, IL
Relocating 925 mi from New Orleans to Naperville is a 17h 14m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
925 mi Β· 17h 14m by car Β· LA β MS β TN β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β TN β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 57, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Memphis, Joliet, Chicago, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Naperville runs about 11.9% more expensive overall than New Orleans β RPP 92.597 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $242,493 in New Orleans to $610,454 in Naperville, a 11.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperature drops 21.7Β°F β 70.9Β°F in New Orleans vs 49.2Β°F in Naperville, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.9% β $55,339 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Louisiana and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 925 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 New Orleans vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 172.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Naperville more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 11.9% higher than New Orleans (103.595 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Naperville, IL from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 925 mi and the route typically takes 17h 14m via I 55 and I 57. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 151.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Naperville, IL.