($1,395+) Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA Movers
The cost to move from Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA ranges from $1,299 to $11,619, with an average cost of $4,450. Moves can be as low as $1,395 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,228 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 Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Sacramento to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,299 - $11,619 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,450, 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 2,228 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 2,228-mile route from Sacramento 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 $1,299 - $5,583 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,861 - $3,382), rental truck ($1,302 - $2,439), or freight trailer ($1,659 - $3,013). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,651 - $7,779 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,619.
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 Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,228-mile move from Sacramento, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with prices running from $1,299 - $11,619. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $351 - $2,340 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Sacramento and New Orleans are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Sacramento movers tend to run around $287 as a base rate plus $130/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sacramento to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,299 - $5,583
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,651 - $7,779
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,716 - $11,619
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 Sacramento 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: 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 Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Sacramento 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 | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling48% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: A Better Moving | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sacramento to New Orleans?
Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Louisiana, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Sacramento, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,861 and $6,105. 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 Sacramento typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sacramento to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,861 - $3,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,272 - $4,842
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,151 - $6,105
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 Sacramento, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $819, 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 $88 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $176 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Sacramento, 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 $1,861. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,272 - $4,842, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento:
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
- Double Move (4.9/5), 3 years in business
- Premium Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA
Plan on $1,302 - $3,597 for a rental moving truck on the 2,228-mile route from Sacramento, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $829 - $948
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Sacramento daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $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 Sacramento to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,302 - $2,439
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,367 - $2,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,745 - $3,597
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,302 - $3,597 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Sacramento to New Orleans. Fuel ($829 - $948) , lodging at around $176/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Sacramento, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $819.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $829 - $948 for the 2,228-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $70 and $380, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $176 per night for hotel stops on the 2,228-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $351 - $527.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Sacramento, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,800 and $3,758.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sacramento to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,659 - $3,013
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,800 - $3,758
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,572 - $5,347
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Sacramento, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $819.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $88 and $176 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Sacramento to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Button Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Button Transportation, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Sacramento to New Orleans, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Sacramento, 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 Sacramento on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 127 | 102 |
| Average rent | $1,899/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $483,739 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $83,753/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 49/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 50.79/100 | 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 Sacramento, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Louisiana, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 2,228-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Sacramento, CA, to New Orleans, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,299 for a studio to $11,619 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,228-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,861 - $6,105. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,302 - $3,597, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,651 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Sacramento, CA, to New Orleans, LA
What do local movers charge in Sacramento?
Local movers based in Sacramento typically start around $287 as a base rate, plus $130/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 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.
How much does it cost to move from Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,299 to $11,619, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,299 and $11,619, 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Sacramento, CA to New Orleans, LA?
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 $1,367 - $2,965. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($829 - $948), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $176/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Sacramento movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in Sacramento handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
