($598+) Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Raleigh, NC, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $604 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,578 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,822, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,578 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,116 - $3,949, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $604 - $1,715.
- 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 $2,252 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,252 - $5,954. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 875-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 | $1,822 - $4,386 | $1,116 - $2,044 | $604 - $1,176 | $1,079 - $1,820 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,252 - $5,954 | $1,435 - $2,839 | $645 - $1,383 | $1,184 - $2,294 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,095 - $7,578 | $1,910 - $3,949 | $885 - $1,715 | $1,689 - $3,191 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers for the 875-mile relocation from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,822 and $7,578. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $313 - $2,088, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Raleigh typically charge a base rate 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: $1,822 - $4,386
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,252 - $5,954
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,095 - $7,578
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Raleigh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $522 - $5,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $209 - $1,253/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,506 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items24% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $1,044 - $2,610 |
| Piano | Any piano type66% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $835 - $3,654 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling31% of local movers | $313 - $1,566 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $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?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Louisiana Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Raleigh, NC. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,116 and $3,949. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to New Orleans. If you go over that window, storage in Raleigh adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Raleigh to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,116 - $2,044
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,435 - $2,839
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,949
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $157 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in New Orleans, LA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $731 in Raleigh, NC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,116. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,435 - $2,839, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
- Next Stop Movers (4.9/5), 5 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA
Truck rentals from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, range from $604 - $1,715 for the 875-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $604 - $1,176
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $645 - $1,383
- 4+ bedrooms: $885 - $1,715
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Raleigh to New Orleans starts at $604 - $1,715, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($291 - $332) , overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $291 - $332 for the 875-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $731.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 875-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $157 per night, adding $313 - $470 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $313.
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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,184 and $2,294.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Raleigh to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,079 - $1,820
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,294
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,689 - $3,191
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $78 - $157 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $731.
What are the best freight companies from Raleigh to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Southern Express, Inc. (4.3/5 stars): Southern Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Raleigh to New Orleans. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Raleigh, NC vs New Orleans, LA
Good news for your budget: New Orleans isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Raleigh. Cost of living index runs 102 there against 106 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 31/100 and 60.13/100 here versus 58/100 and 32.69/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Louisiana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. North Carolina alone has 117 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 875-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 875-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to New Orleans, LA, costs between $1,822 and $7,578 with full-service movers, $1,116 - $3,949 with a moving container, and $604 - $1,715 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 $2,252 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 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.
What do local movers charge in Raleigh?
Local movers based in Raleigh typically start around $226 as a base rate, plus $93/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in New Orleans run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans?
For families, Algiers Point, Bayou St. John, and East Carrollton are worth a look in New Orleans. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Freret, and Gentilly Terrace tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $645 - $1,383. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Raleigh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 66% of movers in Raleigh handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
