New Orleans to Lafayette Movers & Costs (2026)
The cost to move from New Orleans to Lafayette, LA (~134 miles) typically ranges from $133 to $4,371.
Local movers such as Atmosphere Movers, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 125 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $100/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in New Orleans
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from New Orleans to Lafayette?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like New Orleans to Lafayette are regulated by Louisiana law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Louisiana intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Louisiana companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Atmosphere Movers (4.5/5) as the top local pick, followed by AD Movers (4.34/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most New Orleans to Lafayette moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 73+ Louisiana movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from New Orleans to Lafayette?
The cost to move from New Orleans to Lafayette ranges from $133 to $4,371*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $618 - $4,371
- Moving containers: $737 - $1,979
- Rental trucks: $133 - $308
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $618 - $2,787 | $737 - $1,163 | $133 - $228 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,206 - $3,215 | $938 - $1,665 | $149 - $280 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,520 - $4,371 | $1,183 - $1,979 | $182 - $308 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 73+ Louisiana moving companies, and are updated as of November 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.
Learn more about the cost of New Orleans, LA movers.
How New Orleans to Lafayette moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $100 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,200.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 14% of New Orleans movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 7% of New Orleans movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: AD Movers |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 New Orleans to Lafayette
Moving from New Orleans to Lafayette is a job for local and regional Louisiana movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Atmosphere Movers leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 125 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from New Orleans to Lafayette
Local movers operating within Louisiana know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.5 / 5
- Years in Business: 25
- 91% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.34 / 5
- Years in Business: 12
- 95% positive reviews
- BBB: NR
rating
4.42 / 5
- Years in Business: 72
- 95% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- Atmosphere Movers (4.5/5 stars): 91.2% positive customer ratings.
- AD Movers (4.34/5 stars): 95.1% positive customer ratings.
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.42/5 stars): 95.1% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.36/5 stars): 91.7% positive customer ratings.
- Moving Nola (4.14/5 stars): 98.5% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 34 movers in New Orleans, drawing on 6,763 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from New Orleans to Lafayette
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from New Orleans, LA
New Orleans residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Louisiana moving resources
How does Lafayette compare to New Orleans?
Cost of living: New Orleans vs. Lafayette
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| New Orleans | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,755 | $2,825 |
| Average home cost | $300,283 | $249,492 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,339 | $61,454 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,905 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 5.8% |
| Average sales tax | 10.0% | 9.45% |
Cost-of-living data for New Orleans and Lafayette comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 73+ Louisiana moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Lafayette are 61% higher than in New Orleans. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 61% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Lafayette are 17% lower than New Orleans. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Lafayette is 11% higher than New Orleans. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Lafayette is 43% lower than New Orleans. The savings typically free up 43% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Lafayette is 47% lower than New Orleans. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Lafayette runs 47% lower than New Orleans. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Lafayette are 6% lower than New Orleans. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,710 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in New Orleans.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Lafayette
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Lafayette might look different from New Orleans in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| New Orleans | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 383,997 | 121,374 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 60-38 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 45ºF | 61ºF |
| Annual rain | 64" | 62" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 67.31 | 45.75 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Louisiana can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 10% of movers in Louisiana, vs 23% nationally).
- Lafayette is 68% smaller in size than New Orleans. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Lafayette voted Republican and New Orleans voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Lafayette (92°F) match New Orleans (92°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in New Orleans drop to 45°F, colder than Lafayette's 61°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
- Annual rainfall in New Orleans (64 inches) and Lafayette (62 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in New Orleans and Lafayette is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Lafayette (45.75) is lower than New Orleans (67.31). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Lafayette
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Lafayette's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Lafayette
- Lafayette Science Museum
- Acadian Cultural Center
- Children's Museum of Acadiana
- Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
- Lafayette Art Gallery
Parks in Lafayette
- Evangeline State Park
- Acadiana Park Nature Station
- Girard Park Center
Sports teams in Lafayette
- Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt)
Universities in Lafayette
- Acadiana Technical College Lafayette Campus
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- South Louisiana Community College
- University of Phoenix Lafayette
- Remington College Lafayette Campus
Final verdict: New Orleans to Lafayette movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Louisiana service. For smaller moves, Atmosphere Movers (4.5/5) is the top local choice, with 91.2% positive reviews across 125 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $133 - $4,371, based on our analysis of 73+ Louisiana movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from New Orleans to Lafayette
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from New Orleans to Lafayette?
A full-service move from New Orleans to Lafayette costs $598 - $2,312 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,206 - $3,215, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,520 - $4,371.
Do movers in Louisiana offer storage?
49% of movers in Louisiana offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.
How many movers in New Orleans offer labor-only help?
41% of movers in New Orleans offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.
What percentage of New Orleans movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 41% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
How long does a move from New Orleans to Lafayette take?
Most moves from New Orleans to Lafayette take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.