Moving from New Orleans to Lafayette, LA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from New Orleans to Lafayette costs $179–$5,267, 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.
- Atmosphere Movers leads local picks at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 116 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from New Orleans to Lafayette?
Moving from New Orleans to Lafayette 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 Atmosphere Movers (4.52/5) 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 | $1,482–$4,118 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,119–$1,966 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $186–$314 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $100/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 New Orleans to Lafayette?
Expect to spend between $179 and $5,267 on a New Orleans to Lafayette 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: $791–$5,267
- Moving containers: $837–$2,359
- Rental trucks: $179–$374
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 | $791–$3,494 | $837–$1,532 | $179–$269 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,482–$4,118 | $1,119–$1,966 | $186–$314 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,043–$5,267 | $1,482–$2,359 | $226–$374 |
*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 New Orleans to Lafayette move?
Extra fees to watch for on a New Orleans to Lafayette 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 | $100/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 New Orleans to Lafayette
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from New Orleans to Lafayette, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. Atmosphere Movers leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 116 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 New Orleans to Lafayette. 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
Atmosphere Movers is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from New Orleans to Lafayette, earning 4.52 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. Atmosphere Movers has been in business since 2001 (25 years), with 91.4% of 116 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 Lafayette to New Orleans guide.
How does Lafayette compare to New Orleans?
Cost of living: New Orleans vs. Lafayette
A cost-of-living comparison between New Orleans and Lafayette 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 Lafayette compares to New Orleans.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 30+ Louisiana cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Lafayette are 61% higher than in New Orleans. Renters typically offset this by moving farther from the city center or accepting a smaller unit.
- Home prices in Lafayette are 17% lower than New Orleans. The discount accelerates timelines for first-time buyers and improves cash flow for trade-up moves.
- Salaries in Lafayette average 11% higher than New Orleans. Use local salary data, not New Orleans comps, when benchmarking offers.
- Cost of living for one person in Lafayette runs 43% cheaper than New Orleans. The savings rate compounds quickly if held constant.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Lafayette is 47% lower than New Orleans. The discount typically lands on housing and childcare, the two largest line items.
- Unemployment in Lafayette is 47% lower than New Orleans. The labor market favors workers, which translates to better offers for incoming candidates.
- Sales taxes in Lafayette are 6% lower than New Orleans. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in New Orleans, you'd need about $1,710 in Lafayette.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Lafayette
A comparison of life in New Orleans and Lafayette 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.
| 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 |
-
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, while New Orleans voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Lafayette (92°F) and New Orleans (92°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows in New Orleans reach 45°F, colder than Lafayette's 61°F. Lower heating loads and milder winters are the practical upside.
- Annual rainfall levels match in New Orleans (64 inches) and Lafayette (62 inches). Outdoor planning carries over.
- 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). The lower-risk profile expands feasible neighborhoods and reduces insurance carry.
Things to do in Lafayette
Lafayette'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 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: best movers from New Orleans to Lafayette
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from New Orleans to Lafayette, 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, Atmosphere Movers (4.52 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 91.4% positive reviews across 116 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 $179–$5,267 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 New Orleans to Lafayette
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from New Orleans to Lafayette?
A move from New Orleans to Lafayette with a professional moving company costs $684–$2,929 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,482 up to $4,118. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,043–$5,267 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from New Orleans to Lafayette?
Moving containers from New Orleans to Lafayette cost $589–$1,380 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,119–$1,966. A larger home costs $1,482–$2,359.
How much is a moving truck from New Orleans to Lafayette?
A rental moving truck from New Orleans to Lafayette costs $171–$281 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $186–$314, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $226 and $374.
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 New Orleans-to-Lafayette movers?
Lock in your movers for a New Orleans to Lafayette 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 Lafayette?
The best deals on a move to Lafayette 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.
