($815+) Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA

Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $745 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,970 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,190 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,228, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,970 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,246 - $4,351, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $745 - $2,188.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lafayette, LA, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,832 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA

There are 3 main ways to move from Lafayette to Arlington: 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 $2,832 - $6,722. 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 8 days for this 1,190-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 1,190-mile route from Lafayette to Arlington, 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 $2,228 - $4,956 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,246 - $2,408), rental truck ($745 - $1,494), or freight trailer ($1,180 - $2,275). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,832 - $6,722 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,970.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,190-mile move from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Arlington, Virginia, with costs ranging from $2,228 - $8,970. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $359 - $2,392. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Lafayette and Arlington. Local movers in Lafayette typically start around $260 as a base rate plus $260/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lafayette to Arlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,228 - $4,956
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,832 - $6,722
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,647 - $8,970

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 Lafayette to Arlington.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA

Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of Lafayette movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$598 - $5,980
Storage in transitNew place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$239 - $1,435/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$359 - $2,870
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$1,196 - $3,588
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,990 - $11,960
Car shippingSecond vehicle$896 - $1,702
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers$1,196 - $2,990
PianoAny piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$957 - $4,186
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling$359 - $1,794
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: $777 - $2,392
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$359 - $17,940+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$359 - $4,186+

What are the best full-service movers from Lafayette to Arlington?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Lafayette, LA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA

Moving containers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,246 and $4,351. 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 Lafayette costs roughly $70/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lafayette to Arlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,246 - $2,408
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,623 - $3,253
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,332 - $4,351

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Lafayette, LA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $837, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $90 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $179 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Lafayette, LA, and Arlington, VA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana to Virginia 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 $1,246. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,623 - $3,253, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Lafayette to Arlington?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 14 years in business
  • A & L Movers (4.5/5), 11 years in business
  • Acadiana Movers (4.4/5), 16 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA

Truck rentals from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Arlington, Virginia, range from $745 - $2,188 for the 1,190-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $453 - $518
  • Daily insurance: $36/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Lafayette daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Lafayette to Arlington based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $745 - $1,494
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $847 - $1,742
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,044 - $2,188

Pro tip: The base rate of $745 - $2,188 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Lafayette to Arlington. Fuel ($453 - $518) , lodging at around $179/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $453 - $518 for the 1,190-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 Lafayette, Louisiana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $837.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,190-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $179 per night, adding $359 - $538 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $359.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Lafayette to Arlington?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Arlington, Virginia. 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 $1,076 and $2,577.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lafayette to Arlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,180 - $2,275
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,325 - $2,577
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,829 - $3,552

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $90 - $179 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Lafayette, Louisiana, for about five hours typically runs $837.

What are the best freight companies from Lafayette to Arlington?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Dupre Logistics, LLC (4.5/5 stars): Dupre Logistics, LLC 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 Lafayette to Arlington. 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: Lafayette, LA vs Arlington, VA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Lafayette on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Lafayette, LA Arlington, VA
Cost of living index90164
Average rent$2,825/mo$2,718/mo
Median home value$249,492$866,334
Average income$61,454/yr$140,160/yr
Unemployment rate5.8%4.0%
State income taxUp to 4.25%Up to 5.75%
Walkability score42/10071/100
Safety index54.25/10079.15/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Arlington, VA to Lafayette, LA guide.

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Our take

A move from Lafayette, LA, to Arlington, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,228 - $8,970 on the 1,190-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,246 - $4,351, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $745 - $2,188. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,832 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.

FAQs: Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Arlington, VA

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA?

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.

How much does it cost to move from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA?

Costs on this route range from around $2,228 to $8,970, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,228 and $8,970, 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 Arlington?

Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 42 and 47 in Lafayette. 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 ($453 - $518), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $179/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?

In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).

What percentage of Lafayette movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 50% of movers in Lafayette handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.