($570+) Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Raleigh, NC, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $570 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,442 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 875 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,666, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,442 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,107 - $3,797, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $570 - $1,699.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Raleigh, NC, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,236 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Raleigh to New Orleans: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,236 - $5,398. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 71% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 875 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 875-mile route from Raleigh to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,666 - $4,222 | $1,107 - $2,049 | $570 - $1,087 | $978 - $1,771 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,236 - $5,398 | $1,382 - $2,900 | $659 - $1,278 | $1,184 - $2,298 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,637 - $7,442 | $1,821 - $3,797 | $795 - $1,699 | $1,441 - $2,892 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
For the 875-mile move from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $1,666 and $7,442. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $313 - $2,088 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Raleigh generally start around $226 plus $93 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Raleigh to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,666 - $4,222
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,236 - $5,398
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,637 - $7,442
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Raleigh to New Orleans.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Raleigh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New Orleans, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $522 - $5,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Miracle Movers | $209 - $1,253/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,506 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,044 - $3,132 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,610 - $10,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $782 - $1,486 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $1,044 - $2,610 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Miracle Movers | $835 - $3,654 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $313 - $1,566 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $679 - $2,088 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,654+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Raleigh to New Orleans?
Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Louisiana, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Raleigh, NC. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,107 and $3,797. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Raleigh costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Raleigh to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $2,049
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,900
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,821 - $3,797
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Raleigh, NC and New Orleans, LA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $731 in Raleigh, NC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $157 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,107. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,382 - $2,900.
What are the best moving containers Raleigh to New Orleans?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Raleigh to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Raleigh:
- Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 33 years in business
- Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Miracle Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
Plan on $570 - $1,699 for a rental moving truck on the 875-mile route from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $291 - $332
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Raleigh daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Raleigh to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $570 - $1,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $659 - $1,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $795 - $1,699
Pro tip: The base rate of $570 - $1,699 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Raleigh to New Orleans. Fuel ($291 - $332), lodging at around $157/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $78 and $365.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $157.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $291 and $332 for the 875-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $731 for 2 movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Raleigh to New Orleans?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
For larger DIY moves from Raleigh, North Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,184 and $2,298.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Raleigh to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $978 - $1,771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,298
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,441 - $2,892
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Raleigh, North Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $731.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Raleigh to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in New Orleans fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Raleigh, NC vs New Orleans, LA
Raleigh and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Raleigh and 102 in New Orleans, and average rent is $1,670/mo vs. $1,755/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 31 vs 58 and safety scores are 60.13 vs 32.69.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, NC guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Louisiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 313 movers based in North Carolina, handy for sizing up options on this 875-mile route.
Our take
The 875-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to New Orleans, LA, costs between $1,666 and $7,442 with full-service movers, $1,107 - $3,797 with a moving container, and $570 - $1,699 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,236 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Raleigh, NC, to New Orleans, LA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($291 - $332), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is New Orleans a safe place to live?
New Orleans has a safety index of 32.69 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.31, compared to 60.13 and 38.87 in Raleigh. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Raleigh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Raleigh handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.