($578+) New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Indianapolis, IN, runs anywhere from $584 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,125 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 819 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 $1,853, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,125 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $3,804, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $584 - $1,586.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Indianapolis, IN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,565 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 New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN
Moving options from New Orleans to Indianapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,565 - $6,080 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 819-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 819-mile route from New Orleans to Indianapolis, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,853 - $4,825 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,163 - $2,142), rental truck ($584 - $1,123), or freight trailer ($1,066 - $1,853). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,565 - $6,080 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,125.
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 New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN
Full-service movers for the 819-mile relocation from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $1,853 and $8,125. 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 $287 - $1,912, 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 New Orleans typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,853 - $4,825
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,565 - $6,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,326 - $8,125
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 New Orleans to Indianapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to Indiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Indianapolis, 81% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $478 - $4,780 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $191 - $1,147/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $287 - $2,294 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $956 - $2,868 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,390 - $9,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $716 - $1,360 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $956 - $2,390 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $765 - $3,346 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $287 - $1,434 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $621 - $1,912 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $287 - $14,340+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $287 - $3,346+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Indianapolis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in New Orleans, LA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $1,163 and $3,804. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in New Orleans typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,142
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,714
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,006 - $3,804
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $669 in New Orleans, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $72 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $143 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Indianapolis, IN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana to Indiana 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 $1,163. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,495 - $2,714, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Indianapolis?
- 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans:
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 72 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN
Renting a moving truck for the 819-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Indianapolis, Indiana, costs between $584 and $1,586, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $249 - $285
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- New Orleans daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 New Orleans to Indianapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $584 - $1,123
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $655 - $1,347
- 4+ bedrooms: $805 - $1,586
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $584 - $1,586 does not include fuel ($249 - $285) , lodging ($143/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from New Orleans to Indianapolis typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in New Orleans, Louisiana, usually costs about $669 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 819-mile drive falls between $249 and $285, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $287 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Indianapolis?
- 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 New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN
For larger DIY moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, 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 Indianapolis, Indiana.
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 $1,172 and $2,377.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,066 - $1,853
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,172 - $2,377
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,013
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $72 - $143 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, typically costs $669.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Indianapolis?
- 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.
- T C I Trucking (4.66/5 stars): T C I Trucking 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 New Orleans to Indianapolis. 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: New Orleans, LA vs Indianapolis, IN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Indianapolis, side by side with New Orleans on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | New Orleans, LA | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 86 |
| Average rent | $1,755/mo | $1,399/mo |
| Median home value | $300,283 | $205,828 |
| Average income | $55,339/yr | $62,995/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 3.15% |
| Walkability score | 58/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 32.69/100 | 39.29/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to Indiana, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 29 movers licensed in Louisiana, useful context for sizing up this 819-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from New Orleans, LA, to Indianapolis, IN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,853 - $8,125 on the 819-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,163 - $3,804 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $584 - $1,586 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,565 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Anthem and Eli Lilly and Company.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Indianapolis, IN
What are the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis?
For families, Avon, Brownsburg, and Carmel are worth a look in Indianapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Broad Ripple Village, Fountain Square, and Mile Square tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN?
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 $655 - $1,347. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Indianapolis a safe place to live?
Indianapolis has a safety index of 39.29 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.71, compared to 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from New Orleans, LA to Indianapolis, IN?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 38% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
