($1,251+) Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA ranges from $1,406 to $12,283, with an average cost of $4,350. Moves can be as low as $1,251 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,222 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.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Oakland to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,406 - $12,283 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,350, 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 2,222 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 2,222-mile route from Oakland to New Orleans, 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 $1,406 - $6,134 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,709 - $3,325), rental truck ($1,343 - $2,492), or freight trailer ($1,649 - $3,113). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,711 - $7,923 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,283.
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 Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA
For the 2,222-mile move from Oakland, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $1,406 and $12,283. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $475 - $3,168 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Oakland generally start around $281 plus $147 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,406 - $6,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,711 - $7,923
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,689 - $12,283
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 Oakland 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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Oakland 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 packing98% of local movers | $792 - $7,920 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: West Coast Moving Systems, Inc | $317 - $1,901/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $475 - $3,802 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,584 - $4,752 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,960 - $15,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,186 - $2,254 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,584 - $3,960 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,267 - $5,544 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $475 - $2,376 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Family Movers | $1,030 - $3,168 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $475 - $23,760+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $475 - $5,544+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Oakland, CA. 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 Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,709 and $6,379. 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 Oakland adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,709 - $3,325
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,258 - $4,666
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,099 - $6,379
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 Oakland, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,109, 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 $119 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $238 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Oakland, CA, and New Orleans, LA, 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 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 $1,709. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,258 - $4,666, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,222 miles from Oakland, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $1,343 - $3,598. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,120 - $1,280
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,343 - $2,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,396 - $2,876
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,764 - $3,598
Pro tip: A rental truck from Oakland to New Orleans looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,343 - $3,598. But once you factor in fuel ($1,120 - $1,280) , overnight lodging ($238/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 $238 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 $103 and $515 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,120 - $1,280 in fuel for the 2,222-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,109 in Oakland, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland 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 Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Oakland, 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 $1,426 and $3,883.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,649 - $3,113
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,861 - $3,883
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,504 - $5,052
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 $119 - $238 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Oakland, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,109.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Oakland 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: Oakland, 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 Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 102 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 32.69/100 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA to Oakland, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Louisiana, 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 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,222-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Oakland, 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 $1,406 - $12,283 on the 2,222-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,709 - $6,379 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,343 - $3,598 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,711 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 Oakland, CA, to New Orleans, LA
How long does a move from Oakland, CA 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 do local movers charge in Oakland?
Local movers based in Oakland typically start around $281 as a base rate, plus $147/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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Oakland, CA 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.
How much does it cost to move from Oakland, CA to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,406 to $12,283, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,406 and $12,283, 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 75 and 65 in Oakland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
