Moving from Lafayette to New Orleans, LA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Lafayette to New Orleans costs $171–$5,056, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 134-mile route within Louisiana take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 30+ Louisiana moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads local picks at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 235 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Lafayette to New Orleans?
Moving from Lafayette to New Orleans doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 134-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,384–$4,367 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,076–$1,926 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $175–$314 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $260/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 30+ Louisiana movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Lafayette to New Orleans?
Expect to spend between $171 and $5,056 on a Lafayette to New Orleans move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 134-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $767–$5,056
- Moving containers: $863–$2,408
- Rental trucks: $171–$393
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 134 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $767–$3,390 | $863–$1,488 | $171–$295 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,384–$4,367 | $1,076–$1,926 | $175–$314 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,023–$5,056 | $1,368–$2,408 | $230–$393 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 30+ Louisiana moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Lafayette to New Orleans move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Lafayette to New Orleans move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $260/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Lafayette to New Orleans
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Lafayette to New Orleans, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 235 verified customer reviews. At 134 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Lafayette to New Orleans. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Louisiana, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 134 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Lafayette to New Orleans, earning 4.56 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business since 2012 (14 years), with 91.5% of 235 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More Louisiana moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans to Lafayette guide.
How does New Orleans compare to Lafayette?
Cost of living: Lafayette vs. New Orleans
A cost-of-living comparison between Lafayette and New Orleans covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in New Orleans compares to Lafayette.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lafayette | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,825 | $1,755 |
| Average home cost | $249,492 | $300,283 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,454 | $55,339 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,785 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,208 | $7,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 11.0% |
| Average sales tax | 9.45% | 10.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Lafayette and New Orleans comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 30+ Louisiana cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in New Orleans is 38% lower than Lafayette. Apply the savings to a larger unit, a better neighborhood, or higher monthly savings.
- Home prices in New Orleans are 20% higher than Lafayette. Buyers may need to downsize, extend the loan term, or wait longer to build equity.
- Average income in New Orleans is 10% lower than Lafayette. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person is 76% higher in New Orleans than Lafayette. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in New Orleans is 88% higher than Lafayette. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in New Orleans is 90% higher than Lafayette. Job security is less certain, especially in cyclical or layoff-prone industries.
- Sales taxes in New Orleans are 6% higher than Lafayette. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Lafayette, you'd need about $5,280 in New Orleans.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. New Orleans
A comparison of life in Lafayette and New Orleans covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Lafayette | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,374 | 383,997 |
| Political leaning | Republican 60-38 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 61ºF | 45ºF |
| Annual rain | 62" | 64" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 45.75 | 67.31 |
-
New Orleans is 216% larger in size than Lafayette. Expect more job opportunities and amenities, balanced against higher housing costs and a faster pace.
- In the last presidential election, New Orleans voted Democratic, while Lafayette voted Republican.
- Summer highs in New Orleans (92°F) and Lafayette (92°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows in New Orleans reach 45°F, vs. 61°F in Lafayette. Expect a colder season with a corresponding utility bill increase.
- Annual rainfall levels match in Lafayette (62 inches) and New Orleans (64 inches). Outdoor planning carries over.
- Annual snowfall in Lafayette and New Orleans is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in New Orleans (67.31) runs higher than Lafayette (45.75). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in New Orleans
New Orleans's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Lafayette to New Orleans
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Lafayette to New Orleans, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Louisiana service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 91.5% positive reviews across 235 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $171–$5,056 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 30+ Louisiana movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Lafayette to New Orleans
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lafayette to New Orleans?
A move from Lafayette to New Orleans with a professional moving company costs $756–$2,813 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,384 up to $4,367. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,023–$5,056 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Lafayette to New Orleans?
Moving containers from Lafayette to New Orleans cost $583–$1,366 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,076–$1,926. A larger home costs $1,368–$2,408.
How much is a moving truck from Lafayette to New Orleans?
A rental moving truck from Lafayette to New Orleans costs $174–$278 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $175–$314, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $230 and $393.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Lafayette-to-New Orleans movers?
Lock in your movers for a Lafayette to New Orleans move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to New Orleans?
The best deals on a move to New Orleans fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
