Moving from New Orleans
to Chicago

Of course. Here is the Ultimate Moving Guide for relocating from New Orleans, Louisiana to Chicago, Illinois.

The Ultimate Moving Guide: New Orleans to Chicago

Welcome to your comprehensive guide for one of the most significant and culturally jarring moves in the United States. You are not just changing cities; you are changing worlds. You are trading the languid, humid embrace of the Mississippi Delta for the sharp, windswept energy of the Great Lakes. This guide is designed to be your honest, data-backed companion, preparing you for the realities of leaving the Crescent City for the Windy City.

1. The Vibe Shift: From "Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler" to "City of Big Shoulders"

This is the most profound change you will experience. It’s not just about the weather; it’s about the very rhythm of life.

Culture & Pace:
In New Orleans, time is a suggestion. Life revolves around festivals, second lines, the ebb and flow of the Mississippi, and the sun's position in the sky. The pace is inherently slow, social, and deeply rooted in tradition. A conversation with a stranger at a bar can last for hours. Work-life balance often means leaving early for a crawfish boil.

Chicago, by contrast, is a city of pure, unadulterated momentum. It is the economic engine of the Midwest, a global hub for finance, tech, and transportation. The pace is fast, efficient, and purpose-driven. People walk with intent, and the city’s grid system is a physical manifestation of its logical, no-nonsense attitude. While Chicago has an incredible arts and music scene (especially blues and jazz, which you’ll appreciate as a NOLA transplant), its cultural output is often more polished and professional than the raw, improvisational street energy of New Orleans. You are trading spontaneous block parties for meticulously planned street festivals like Lollapalooza and the Taste of Chicago.

The People:
New Orleanians are known for their warmth, hospitality, and a unique blend of Creole and Cajun charm. There's a "we're all in this together" spirit, forged by shared history and the constant threat of hurricanes.

Chicagoans are friendly, but in a different way. It’s a city of transplants. The friendliness is more reserved, less immediate. It’s the neighbor who will help you shovel your car out of a foot of snow but might not invite you over for dinner until they’ve known you for six months. The city’s motto is Urbs in Horto (City in a Garden), but its modern identity is the "City of Big Shoulders," a reference to Carl Sandburg's poem celebrating its hard-working, resilient character. You will find a deep sense of civic pride here, but it's expressed through sports loyalty (the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks) and neighborhood identity rather than through daily, casual interactions.

The Daily Grind:
In New Orleans, traffic is famously unpredictable, often caused by a slow-moving funeral procession or a broken-down streetcar on St. Charles Avenue. The humidity is a constant, physical presence.

In Chicago, traffic is a predictable beast, concentrated on the Dan Ryan, the Kennedy, and the Stevenson expressways during rush hour. The real challenge is the public transit system (the "L"). It’s one of the most extensive and efficient in the country, but it demands punctuality and resilience, especially during a blizzard. You’re trading oppressive humidity for oppressive wind. The "Windy City" nickname isn’t just a myth; the wind, especially off Lake Michigan in the winter, is a force that cuts through layers of clothing and demands respect.

2. Cost of Living Comparison: The Sticker Shock and the Tax Relief

This is where the move becomes a complex financial equation. While Chicago is more expensive than many U.S. cities, it’s often a wash or even a savings compared to New Orleans, depending on your lifestyle. The single biggest factor is housing and taxes.

Housing:
This is your most significant expense. While New Orleans has seen a dramatic rise in rental and home prices, Chicago’s market is larger and more varied.

• Renting: In New Orleans, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area like the Garden District or Marigny can easily exceed $1,800/month. In Chicago, you can find a comparable one-bedroom in a desirable, safe neighborhood like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, or Wicker Park for $2,000 - $2,500/month. The key difference is that for that price in Chicago, you are more likely to get a modern building with amenities (doorman, gym, central AC) that are less common in historic NOLA housing stock. You can find much cheaper options on the South or West Sides, but safety and commute times become major considerations.
• Buying: The median home price in New Orleans is around $375,000. In Chicago, it’s closer to $350,000. However, the property types are vastly different. For $350k in Chicago, you’re likely looking at a condo or a smaller bungalow in a neighborhood like Portage Park or Beverly. In New Orleans, that budget might get you a shotgun double in a less central neighborhood. The property tax rate in Illinois is notoriously high (around 2.1% of assessed value), which is a critical factor for homeowners.

Taxes: This is CRITICAL.

• Louisiana: Has a graduated income tax system, with a top rate of 4.25%. Sales tax is high, combining state and local rates to over 9% in many parishes.
• Illinois: Has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. This is a significant increase for many middle and high-income earners moving from Louisiana. However, Chicago’s sales tax is 10.25% (the highest in the nation).
• The Verdict: If you are a renter with a moderate income, the higher income tax in Illinois will be felt. If you are a homeowner, the sky-high property taxes in Illinois will likely outweigh any savings from a lower purchase price compared to New Orleans. You are trading high sales and property taxes for a higher income tax burden. It’s a wash for most, but you must run your own numbers.

Groceries & Utilities:
Groceries are roughly 5-10% more expensive in Chicago, especially for fresh produce in the winter months. Utilities (electricity/gas) are surprisingly comparable. Chicago's summers are less humid, so A/C bills can be lower, but heating costs in the winter are substantial. Water is generally cheaper in Chicago, which operates its own massive system from Lake Michigan.

3. Logistics: The Move Itself

Distance & Route:
The drive is approximately 925 miles and takes about 13-15 hours of pure driving time. The most common route is I-55 North through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Missouri, then cutting over to I-64 and I-57 in Illinois. It’s a long, monotonous drive through the rural South and Midwest.

Moving Options:

• Professional Movers: For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect to pay $5,000 - $9,000. This is the least stressful option but the most expensive. Get quotes from at least three companies and read reviews carefully. Movers from New Orleans will be familiar with navigating narrow streets and humidity, but moving to Chicago means they have to deal with potential snow and ice on the ground.
• DIY Rental (U-Haul, Penske): A 26-foot truck rental will cost $1,500 - $2,500 for the truck, plus gas (a major expense for this distance) and lodging. You will also need to factor in your time and the physical labor. A popular hybrid option is to hire loaders/unloaders through a service like U-Haul's "Moving Help" to do the heavy lifting while you drive.
• Shipping Pods (PODS, Upmove): A good middle-ground. A company drops off a container, you pack it at your own pace, and they ship it to your new Chicago address. Costs range from $3,000 - $6,000.

What to Get Rid Of (and What to Buy):
This is not just about decluttering; it’s about climate adaptation.

• GET RID OF:
  • Light Winter Gear: That one "heavy" jacket you own for the 3-4 cold days in New Orleans is useless. You need to start from scratch.
  • Excessive Summer Clothes: You will not need 20 pairs of shorts and tank tops. You’ll live in layers.
  • Hurricane Preparedness Kit: Keep the flashlight and batteries, but the sandbags, shutters, and emergency generator can be sold or donated.
  • Beach Gear (mostly): You can keep your swimsuit for the few hot summer days or a trip to the Indiana Dunes, but the boogie board and massive umbrella are likely overkill.
• BUY IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL:
  • The Winter Coat: A proper, insulated, wind-resistant coat is non-negotiable. Brands like Canada Goose, Patagonia, or The North Face are popular for a reason. This is your most important investment.
  • Layers: Thermal underwear (long johns), wool sweaters, fleece jackets, and a quality waterproof shell.
  • Footwear: Waterproof, insulated boots with serious tread (e.g., Sorel, L.L. Bean). You will be walking through slush, snow, and ice. Also, get comfortable waterproof shoes for rainy days.
  • Accessories: A warm hat that covers your ears, touchscreen-compatible gloves, a thick scarf, and wool socks.

4. Neighborhoods to Target: Finding Your Chicago Vibe

Chicago is a city of 77 distinct neighborhoods. Finding the right one is key to a successful transition. Here are some analogies based on what you might have loved in New Orleans.

• If you loved the historic charm and walkability of the Garden District or Uptown...

  • Target: Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square. You’ll find beautiful, historic brownstones and greystones, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant, walkable commercial strip. It’s family-friendly, safe, and has access to the lakefront park. Be prepared for a higher price tag, similar to the Garden District.

• If you loved the artsy, bohemian, and slightly gritty vibe of the Bywater or Marigny...

  • Target: Wicker Park and Logan Square. These neighborhoods are the epicenters of Chicago’s hipster culture, filled with independent boutiques, trendy restaurants, dive bars, and live music venues. They have a creative, youthful energy that will feel familiar. The architecture is a mix of historic greystones and modern condos.

• If you loved the lively, bar-scene energy of Bourbon Street but want a safer, more residential version...

  • Target: River North or the West Loop. These are downtown-adjacent neighborhoods packed with world-class restaurants, high-end bars, and a bustling nightlife. The West Loop, in particular, has transformed from a meatpacking district into a foodie haven (think "Restaurant Row" on Randolph Street). It’s sleek, modern, and expensive.

• If you loved the tight-knit, community feel of a neighborhood like Lakeview (NOLA) or Algiers Point...

  • Target: Andersonville or Beverly. Andersonville on the North Side has a strong Swedish heritage, is incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, and boasts a wonderful, walkable main street (Clark Street) with local businesses. Beverly on the South Side is known for its bungalows, rolling hills, and a strong community identity, even with its own "mini" commuter rail system. These neighborhoods offer a sense of place and community that can ease the transition from a city as neighborhood-centric as New Orleans.

5. The Verdict: Why Make This Move?

You will miss the spontaneity of New Orleans. You will miss the way the light hits the Mississippi at sunset. You will miss the music pouring out of every open door on Frenchmen Street. You will miss the food—oh, the food. While Chicago has an incredible culinary scene (from deep-dish pizza to Michelin-starred restaurants), it will never replicate the specific, soulful magic of a perfectly poached shrimp remoulade or a spicy, andouille-laced gumbo.

So why leave?

You move to Chicago for opportunity and four distinct seasons. You move for a career path that is more corporate and structured. You move for a city that feels like it is constantly building, innovating, and moving forward. You move for the breathtaking beauty of a sun-drenched summer day on the Lakefront Path, a world-class museum like the Art Institute, and the sheer architectural wonder of the cityscape.

You move for the thrill of a real winter, a force of nature that will test your resilience and bring people together. You move for a city that is unapologetically ambitious, a place where you can build a different kind of life—one that is less about celebrating the past and more about forging a future.

It is a trade. You are trading the soulful, slow-moving magic of the South for the dynamic, powerful energy of the North. It’s not a better or worse choice, but it is a different one. Be prepared for the change, and you will find that Chicago, with its own unique rhythm and deep well of culture, has plenty to offer.