($1,241+) San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA ranges from $1,263 to $11,872, with an average cost of $3,950. Moves can be as low as $1,241 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,233 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from San Francisco to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,263 - $11,872 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 59% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,233 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,233-mile route from San Francisco to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,263 - $5,654 | $1,672 - $3,253 | $1,253 - $2,495 | $1,460 - $2,842 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,305 - $7,559 | $2,165 - $4,611 | $1,371 - $2,883 | $1,646 - $3,437 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,857 - $11,872 | $2,913 - $6,061 | $1,714 - $3,463 | $2,259 - $4,946 |
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 San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,233-mile move from San Francisco, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with prices running from $1,263 - $11,872. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $563 - $3,756 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Francisco and New Orleans are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Francisco movers tend to run around $284 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,263 - $5,654
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,305 - $7,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,857 - $11,872
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 San Francisco to New Orleans.
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 San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco 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 packing76% of local movers | $939 - $9,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $376 - $2,254/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $563 - $4,507 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,878 - $5,634 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,695 - $18,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,407 - $2,672 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,878 - $4,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,502 - $6,573 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $563 - $2,817 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,221 - $3,756 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $563 - $28,170+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $563 - $6,573+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in San Francisco, CA, 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 San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,672 and $6,061. 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 San Francisco typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,672 - $3,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,165 - $4,611
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,913 - $6,061
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA 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 $1,315 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $141 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $282 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 California 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 $1,672. 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 $2,165 - $4,611.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck for this 2,233-mile move from San Francisco, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,253 and $3,463. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,334 - $1,525
- Daily insurance: $56/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,253 - $2,495
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,371 - $2,883
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,714 - $3,463
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to New Orleans looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,253 - $3,463. But once you factor in fuel ($1,334 - $1,525), overnight lodging ($282/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $141 and $657.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $282.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,334 and $1,525 for the 2,233-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 $1,315 for 2 movers in San Francisco, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,690 and $3,437.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,460 - $2,842
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,437
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,259 - $4,946
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Francisco, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,315.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $141 - $282 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 San Francisco 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to New Orleans quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs New Orleans, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in New Orleans, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 102 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 32.69/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 New Orleans, LA to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Louisiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,233-mile move.
Our take
The 2,233-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to New Orleans, LA, costs between $1,263 and $11,872 with full-service movers, $1,672 - $6,061 with a moving container, and $1,253 - $3,463 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 $3,305 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 San Francisco, CA, to New Orleans, LA
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,241 to $11,872, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,263 and $11,872, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is New Orleans?
New Orleans has a walkability score of 58 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 99 and 99 in San Francisco. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,334 - $1,525), daily insurance ($56/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $38) on top. Overnight stops can add another $282/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What is the best time of year to move from San Francisco, CA 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 percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.