($1,102+) Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA ranges from $1,340 to $11,260, with an average cost of $4,150. Moves can be as low as $1,102 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,879 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 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 Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Santa Ana to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,340 - $11,260 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,150, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 1,879 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,879-mile route from Santa Ana to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,340 - $5,613 with full-service movers, $1,534 - $2,965 with a container, $1,091 - $2,166 with a rental truck, or $1,526 - $2,779 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,586 - $7,873 full-service, $2,066 - $4,154 by container, $1,255 - $2,525 by rental truck, or $1,619 - $3,460 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,317 - $11,260 full-service, $2,713 - $5,822 by container, $1,629 - $3,059 by rental truck, or $2,399 - $4,612 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 23, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers for the 1,879-mile relocation from Santa Ana, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,340 and $11,260. 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 $419 - $2,796, 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 Santa Ana typically charge a base rate around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,340 - $5,613
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,586 - $7,873
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,317 - $11,260
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 Santa Ana to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana 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 | $699 - $6,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $280 - $1,678/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $419 - $3,355 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,398 - $4,194 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,495 - $13,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,047 - $1,989 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,398 - $3,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,118 - $4,893 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $419 - $2,097 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $909 - $2,796 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $419 - $20,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $419 - $4,893+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to New Orleans?
Movers licensed to operate in Louisiana are typically members of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Santa Ana, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,534 and $5,822. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Santa Ana typically runs around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,534 - $2,965
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,066 - $4,154
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,713 - $5,822
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 $979 in Santa Ana, CA. 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 $105 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $210 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 New Orleans, LA, destination before booking.
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 $1,534. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,066 - $4,154, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,879 miles from Santa Ana, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $1,091 - $3,059. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $836 - $955
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Santa Ana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Santa Ana to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,091 - $2,166
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,255 - $2,525
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,629 - $3,059
Pro tip: A rental truck from Santa Ana to New Orleans looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,091 - $3,059. But once you factor in fuel ($836 - $955) , overnight lodging ($210/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $210 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $91 and $454 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $836 - $955 in fuel for the 1,879-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $979 in Santa Ana, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, CA to New Orleans, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Santa Ana, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,619 and $3,460.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,526 - $2,779
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,619 - $3,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,399 - $4,612
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $105 and $210.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for roughly five hours typically average $979.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 102 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 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 Santa Ana, 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 375 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,879-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Santa Ana, CA, to New Orleans, LA, 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 $1,340 - $11,260 on the 1,879-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,534 - $5,822 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,091 - $3,059 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,586 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 Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to New Orleans, LA
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 45.83 and 54.17 in Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana, 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.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($836 - $955), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $210/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
