Moving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, LA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans costs between $94 to $4,646 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 81-mile route within Louisiana take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Baton Rouge to New Orleans
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Baton Rouge to driving and unloading in New Orleans, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 81 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,203 - $3,761 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $933 - $1,716 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $109 - $180 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $150/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?
It costs between $94 to $4,646 to move from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. The prices below break down your 81-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $667 - $4,646
- Moving containers: $689 - $2,113
- Rental trucks: $94 - $204
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $667 - $2,981 | $689 - $1,158 | $94 - $157 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,203 - $3,761 | $933 - $1,716 | $109 - $180 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,780 - $4,646 | $1,146 - $2,113 | $127 - $204 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $279 - $2,325+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $186 - $744 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $47 - $186 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Baton Rouge to New Orleans
At 81 miles, your Baton Rouge to New Orleans move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Louisiana, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 81 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. They've been in business since 2012 (14 years of experience) and 69.1% of their 265 verified reviews are positive.
More Louisiana moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans to Baton Rouge guide.
Considerations when moving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans
Cost of living: Baton Rouge vs. New Orleans
The cost of living in Baton Rouge vs. New Orleans goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in New Orleans stacks up against Baton Rouge.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Baton Rouge | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,755 |
| Average home cost | $222,398 | $300,283 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,944 | $55,339 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,638 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,941 | $7,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.5% | 11.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.5% | 10.0% |
- Rent prices in New Orleans are 40% higher than in Baton Rouge. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in New Orleans are 35% higher than in Baton Rouge. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in New Orleans, where the average salary is 11% higher than in Baton Rouge, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in New Orleans is 91% higher than in Baton Rouge, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to New Orleans? Get ready for living expenses to be about 101% higher than in Baton Rouge. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, New Orleans is a pricier place for families.
- Unemployment in New Orleans is 47% higher than in Baton Rouge. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Baton Rouge, expect to budget around $5,730 to maintain the same lifestyle in New Orleans.
How life is different in Baton Rouge vs. New Orleans
As you plan your move, comparing life in Baton Rouge vs. New Orleans is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Baton Rouge and New Orleans to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Baton Rouge | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,191 | 383,997 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 40ºF | 45ºF |
| Annual rain | 63" | 64" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 2.0 | 67.31 |
New Orleans sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- New Orleans is about 73% larger than Baton Rouge. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Baton Rouge and New Orleans siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge are nearly identical, with averages around 92°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Baton Rouge and New Orleans experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 40°F and 45°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 63 inches in Baton Rouge and 64 inches in New Orleans.
- Both Baton Rouge and New Orleans receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in New Orleans, with an index of 67.31, compared to Baton Rouge at 2.0.
Things to do in New Orleans
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? New Orleans has something for everyone.
Museums in New Orleans
- The National WWII Museum
- Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
- New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
- The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
- New Orleans Museum of Art
Parks in New Orleans
- New Orleans City Park
- Audubon Park
- New Orleans Musical Legends Park
- Louis Armstrong Park
- Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Sports teams in New Orleans
- New Orleans Saints (NFL)
- New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
- New Orleans Jesters (NPSL)
- Big Easy Rollergirls (WFTDA)
Universities in New Orleans
- Tulane University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- University of Holy Cross
- Dillard University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?
Moving your furniture from Baton Rouge to New Orleans with a professional moving company usually ranges from $588 to $2,687. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,203 and $3,761. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,780 to $4,646 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?
If you’re moving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $453 to $1,172. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $933 and $1,716. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,146 to $2,113.
How much is a moving truck from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $99 and $151. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $109 to $180. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, rental prices generally fall between $127 and $204.
How far in advance should I book Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Baton Rouge to New Orleans at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to New Orleans?
If you want to save money on your move to New Orleans, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
