Moving from New Orleans, LA to Philadelphia, PA
A move from New Orleans, LA to Philadelphia, PA covers 1217 mi and around 22h 43m of driving through 9 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1217 mi · 22h 43m by car · PA → DE → MD → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → DE → MD → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Alexandria, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Philadelphia is 10.8% higher than New Orleans, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in New Orleans and Philadelphia are within 5% of each other ($242,493 vs $231,815 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | New Orleans | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 50.7" |
Philadelphia is 13.2°F cooler on the annual average (70.9°F vs 57.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Philadelphia is 10.8% above New Orleans ($55,339 → $60,698, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Louisiana and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.2°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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $55,339 in New Orleans — a 9.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 10.8% higher than New Orleans (102.554 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between New Orleans and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 70.9°F in New Orleans (13.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 60.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $242,493 in New Orleans — a 4.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1217 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 1217 mi and the route typically takes 22h 43m via I 59 and I 81. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA · Philadelphia, PA.