Best San Francisco to New Orleans Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Francisco to New Orleans and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,352 mile move from California to Louisiana go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 12 San Francisco to New Orleans moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco compared to New Orleans. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Francisco to New Orleans Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.349.49Authorized For HHG
3Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
4Bart's Office Inc.7.012.12Authorized For Property
5Two Men and a Truck6.876.35Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Francisco to New Orleans?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,352 miles from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA will cost on average $3,781 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to New Orleans move is roughly $9,133. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,536300 ft³$8.45
1 Bedroom$3,781450 ft³$8.40
2 Bedrooms$6,265750 ft³$8.35
3 Bedrooms$9,1331100 ft³$8.30
4 Bedrooms$13,2051600 ft³$8.25
5+ Bedrooms$14,7651800 ft³$8.20
*Please note: These California to Louisiana moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Louisiana. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to LA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from New Orleans to San Francisco guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to New Orleans Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
B

Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 542+ data points

8 22nd St

San Francisco, CA, 94107

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,143+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Bart's Office Inc. Logo

Bart's Office Inc.

7.01/10
based on 45+ data points

2838 Elysian Fields Ave

New Orleans, LA, 70122

About Bart's Office Inc.

Bart's Office, founded in 1978, stands out in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area as a moving company that specializes in commercial...

Services

  • Full service commercial relocation
  • Installation/reconfiguration of cubical office space
  • Restaurant & Apartment appliance installation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2118069 / 739860

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

6.87/10
based on 1,544+ data points

5029 Bloomfield St

New Orleans, LA, 70121

About Two Men and a Truck

In just over 35 years of operation, Two Men and A Truck has come from humble beginnings to becoming one of...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2147737 / 746991

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved2,300,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Francisco vs. New Orleans Neighborhood Comparison

Making a move to a new city can be both exhilarating and daunting. To ease the transition, we've prepared a comparison designed to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. By comparing popular neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA & New Orleans, LA, we aim to give you a head start in finding a place that feels like home. Whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, serene parks, or cultural hotspots, this guide will help you find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle in New Orleans.

San FranciscoNew OrleansHow They're Similar
The MissionBywaterArtsy, vibrant community with a strong local culture
MarinaWarehouse DistrictBustling with shops, eateries, and waterfront views
Haight-AshburyMarignyBohemian with a rich music scene and eclectic bars
Nob HillGarden DistrictGrand historic homes and tree-lined streets
Pacific HeightsUptownUpscale, with stately homes and access to Audubon Park
SoMa (South of Market)Central Business DistrictDynamic, with a mix of modernity and history
North BeachFrench QuarterRich in history, famous restaurants, and nightlife
CastroLower Garden DistrictDiverse and community-oriented with a vibrant scene
Sunset DistrictMid-CityLaid back, with a variety of dining options and parks
Russian HillAlgiers PointQuiet, with stunning views and a sense of community

If you're charmed by the iconic hillside streets and heritage cable cars of Russian Hill, you'll find a similar sense of community and picturesque views in Algiers Point. Known for its historic architecture and tranquil atmosphere, Algiers Point offers a serene escape with easy access to the broader vibrancy of New Orleans. For those drawn to the progressive, lively culture of The Mission, Bywater's thriving arts scene and tight-knit community will make you feel right at home. It boasts colorful street murals, local breweries like NOLA Brewing Co., and community-focused events that mirror The Mission's vibrant spirit. Meanwhile, Pacific Heights' upscale ambiance is mirrored in Uptown New Orleans, where the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar adds a touch of charm. Here, you can explore lush green spaces like Audubon Park, or dine at renowned restaurants such as Commander's Palace, known for its refined Creole cuisine.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to New Orleans

Moving from one city to another brings with it both challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA , helping you weigh the contrasts and similarities. Whether it's cost of living, cultural vibes, or climatic conditions, understanding these aspects can make your transition smoother.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Cool and foggy
  • Steep hills
New Orleans, LA iconNew Orleans, LA
  • More affordable
  • Less crowded
  • Warmer climate
  • Flatter terrain
New Orleans, LA iconNew Orleans, LA
  • Less tech jobs
  • More humidity
  • Flat landscape
  • Smaller food variety
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Tech hub
  • Vibrant culture
  • Scenic views
  • Diverse food scene

Moving from San Francisco to New Orleans transforms your living environment in many ways. Though you might miss the iconic Golden Gate views and the hustle of tech startups, New Orleans offers a charm that's hard to find anywhere else. Picture yourself savoring a beignet at Café du Monde, strolling through the historic French Quarter, or enjoying live jazz at Preservation Hall. The transition offers an affordable cost of living and a warmer climate, which might be a welcome change from San Francisco's foggy chill. While you may find the job market less tech-oriented, New Orleans is rich in culture, history, and unique culinary experiences, making it an exciting new chapter for both personal growth and adventure.

San Francisco vs. New Orleans Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & New Orleans, highlighting how food reflects the local culture and lifestyle. This will help you understand the food scene in your new city.

San Francisco
New Orleans
Most iconic local food item
Sourdough bread
Gumbo
Most popular meat dish
Mission-style burrito
Jambalaya
Most popular street food item
Food Trucks
Po'boys
Most popular vegan food
Avocado toast
Vegan Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Commander's Palace
  • Willie Mae's Scotch House
  • Antoine's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Francisco and New Orleans both offer vibrant and distinct food scenes that reflect their unique cultures. In San Francisco, the Mission District is renowned for its Mission-style burritos and an expansive variety of food trucks offering everything from gourmet to street-style foods. Tartine Bakery, famous for its sourdough, exemplifies the city's love for artisanal bread. In contrast, New Orleans’ food scene is deeply rooted in Creole and Cajun traditions, with iconic dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. Commander's Palace, nestled in the Garden District, offers an unforgettable upscale dining experience that pays homage to the city's culinary history. Whether craving innovative vegan dishes or hearty meat platters, these cities' rich food landscapes cater to a wide range of palates and preferences.

San Francisco vs. New Orleans Restaurant Comparison

Food deeply influences the sense of comfort and belonging to a new place. As you bid farewell to San Francisco and embrace New Orleans, finding culinary solaces that speak to your taste can transform a city into a home. This restaurant comparison between San Francisco and New Orleans is crafted to guide you towards your next favorite dining spots, using your adored San Francisco eateries as a compass.

San FranciscoNew OrleansWhat You'll Love
State Bird ProvisionsCompère LapinUnique fusion cuisine
The Slanted DoorMaypopModern Southeast Asian flavors
Zuni CaféHerbsaintIconic bistro experience
Gary DankoCommander's PalaceHigh-end dining with a local twist
Tartine BakeryLevee Baking Co.Artisan breads and pastries
Mission Chinese FoodRed's ChineseInnovative Chinese cuisine
NopaSylvainSeasonal American eats with charm
La TaqueriaEl LibreAuthentic tacos with a local flair
Swan Oyster DepotPêche Seafood GrillFresh seafood focus
Foreign CinemaBacchanalEclectic and atmospheric dining

While San Francisco's State Bird Provisions delights with its inventive American cuisine, New Orleans' Compère Lapin offers a splendid mix of Caribbean and Creole flavors that demonstrate a unique fusion cuisine par excellence. If you're reminiscing about the artisan breads and pastries from Tartine Bakery, you'll find solace in the baked goods from Levee Baking Co., where every bite resonates with the passion for craft and quality. Commander's Palace in New Orleans echoes Gary Danko's pursuit of fine dining with its own twist on haute Creole cuisine, providing an immersive experience into the city's rich culinary heritage. These establishments are not mere eateries; they are landmarks in their respective cities, offering experiences that transcend the ordinary to make you feel truly at home.

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San Francisco vs. New Orleans Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect when considering a move. Understanding how housing aspects like cost, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle in San Francisco versus New Orleans align with your needs can make the transition smoother. This comparison aims to arm you with vital information to make an informed decision.

San Francisco
New Orleans
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian and Modern
Creole and Colonial
Walkability
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Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Bay views, tech-ready homes
Historic details, proximity to the French Quarter

San Francisco and New Orleans offer distinct living experiences shaped by their unique lifestyles, architecture, and cost of living. In San Francisco, the high cost of living is reflected in its housing prices, driven by the tech industry and demand for homes with views of the Bay and modern amenities. Meanwhile, New Orleans presents a more affordable option, with historic homes that often feature charming Creole or Colonial architecture and a close knit to iconic neighborhoods like the French Quarter. The difference in walkability and bikeability scores between the two cities points to San Francisco's more urban, dense lifestyle compared to New Orleans's laid-back charm. Understanding these nuances helps in considering which city aligns better with your lifestyle and housing preferences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in New Orleans, LA

1. Bywater : You will love Bywater for its walkable streets and several parks where you can easily take your dog for a stroll.

2. Mid-City : Mid-City offers you access to numerous spacious green areas and pet-friendly cafes, making it easy to integrate your pet into your daily life.

3. Uptown : In Uptown, you'll find an abundance of outdoor spaces and community events welcoming pets, perfect for socializing both pets and owners alike.

San Francisco vs. New Orleans Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another significantly affects your daily life, especially when it comes to weather changes. Understanding how the San Francisco weather compares to the New Orleans weather can help you prepare better for this big transition. Whether it's the foggy mornings of San Francisco or the humid summers of New Orleans, knowing what to expect is crucial.

San Francisco
New Orleans
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, wildfires
Hurricanes, floods
Air Quality
Generally good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

67°F/54°F
91°F/75°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

57°F/46°F
62°F/46°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

23.65
64.16
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


Moving from San Francisco to New Orleans means swapping a mild, dry climate for a hot, humid one. The significant increase in both summer temperatures and humidity levels can be a shock if you're not prepared. Additionally, while San Francisco enjoys more sunny days a year, New Orleans often feels warmer due to its higher UV index. You'll also transition from concerns over earthquakes and wildfires to preparing for hurricanes and floods, highlighting the importance of understanding local weather patterns and natural disaster preparedness plans in your new home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to New Orleans

When considering a move from one city to another, grasping the financial landscape is crucial. This guide compares the cost of living and other financial aspects between San Francisco and New Orleans to help you understand how your finances might change. By analyzing key factors such as income, taxes, and the housing market, you'll be better prepared for your new life in either city.

San Francisco
New Orleans
Avg. Household Income
$121,826
$46,942
Cost of Living Index
164
96
State Income Tax
13.3
6
Avg. Property Tax
0.6
0.55
Avg. Sales Tax
8.5
9.45
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Finance, Tourism
Tourism, Port, Energy
Affluence
High
Moderate
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
High
Moderate to High

The cost of living in New Orleans is substantially lower than in San Francisco, reflecting in aspects like housing, groceries, and utilities. This stark contrast can noticeably affect your budgeting and savings. While San Francisco offers a higher average household income, this advantage might be offset by the city's exorbitant living expenses. Moreover, the sales tax in New Orleans is slightly higher, but the significant difference in state income tax rates further emphasizes the financial adjustments you'll need to make when moving. Lastly, despite San Francisco's leading position in industries such as technology and finance, New Orleans' vibrant tourism, port, and energy sectors offer unique employment opportunities, making it not just a cultural, but also a financial transition.

San Francisco vs. New Orleans Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from the West to the Deep South brings a wealth of cultural shifts, especially when examining the residents of each city. This comparison will offer you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of San Francisco & New Orleans , helping you understand the community you're moving into and how it might differ from your current one.

San Francisco
New Orleans
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic
Moderately Liberal/Democratic
Local Politics
Highly active in social issues
Community-focused with strong cultural preservation
Religion
More secular, diverse religious communities
Predominantly Catholic, diverse religious practices

In both San Francisco and New Orleans, the Democratic Party holds a strong influence though the way this manifests locally can differ. San Francisco's political scene is very much engaged in progressive social issues and tech innovation policies, catering to its high tech industry base and diverse population. New Orleans, while also leaning liberal, places a larger emphasis on community and cultural preservation, evident in its vibrant arts scene and historical celebrations such as Mardi Gras. Religion in New Orleans has a more pronounced presence in daily life, with Catholicism playing a significant role in the city's culture and community activities, compared to the more secular nature of San Francisco. Understanding these nuances will help you appreciate not just the politics and religious makeup of your new city but also the community values that shape everyday life there.

San Francisco vs. New Orleans Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is essential when moving, especially when comparing the differences between San Francisco, CA & New Orleans, LA. This comparison will help you better grasp what to expect in terms of driving and transiting in each city.

San Francisco
New Orleans
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
34
24
Traffic Congestion
8 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
9 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Yes
It's challenging

In San Francisco, the robust public transit system, including the SFMTA for buses and the iconic cable cars, allows residents to navigate the city relatively easily without a car. On the other hand, New Orleans, while it has its charming streetcars and bus routes through the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, tends to encourage more car reliance due to less extensive public transit coverage and its geographical layout. The significant difference in average commute times and congestion levels between the two cities reflects not only the difference in city size and layout but also the effectiveness and availability of their respective public transportation services.

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