($1,168+) Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $1,168 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,295 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,175 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $3,024, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $13,295 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,684 - $6,152, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,168 - $3,359.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,858 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to New Orleans: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,858 - $8,777. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 67% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,175 miles, expect 6 to 17 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,175-mile route from Missoula 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 $3,024 - $6,380 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,684 - $3,241), rental truck ($1,168 - $2,351), or freight trailer ($1,530 - $2,917). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,858 - $8,777 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $13,295.
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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
For the 2,175-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $3,024 and $13,295. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $326 - $2,172 (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 Missoula generally start around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,024 - $6,380
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,858 - $8,777
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,317 - $13,295
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 Missoula 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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula 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 packing75% of local movers | $543 - $5,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $217 - $1,303/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,606 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,086 - $3,258 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,715 - $10,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $813 - $1,545 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,086 - $2,715 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $869 - $3,801 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $326 - $1,629 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $706 - $2,172 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,801+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula 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 Missoula, MT. 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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,684 and $6,152. 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 Missoula typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,684 - $3,241
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,243 - $4,502
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,932 - $6,152
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 $760 in Missoula, MT. 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 $81 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $163 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.
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 $1,684. 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 $2,243 - $4,502.
What are the best moving containers Missoula 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
Plan on $1,168 - $3,359 for a rental moving truck on the 2,175-mile route from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $752 - $859
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Missoula to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,168 - $2,351
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,265 - $2,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,359
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,168 - $3,359 does not include fuel ($752 - $859), lodging ($163/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Missoula to New Orleans typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Missoula, Montana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $760.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $752 - $859 for the 2,175-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 $65 and $353, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $163 per night for hotel stops on the 2,175-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $326 - $489.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula 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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Missoula, Montana, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,675 and $3,426.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,530 - $2,917
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,675 - $3,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,229 - $4,730
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Missoula, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $760.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $81 - $163 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 Missoula 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Missoula 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: Missoula, MT vs New Orleans, LA
Day-to-day costs in New Orleans are close to what you're used to in Missoula: cost of living index of 102 versus 113, with average rent of $1,755/mo compared to $1,322/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 66.73/100 in Missoula versus 58/100 and 32.69/100 in New Orleans.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from Montana to Louisiana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Montana alone has 25 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,175-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Missoula, MT, 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 $3,024 - $13,295 on the 2,175-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,684 - $6,152 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,168 - $3,359 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,858 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 Missoula, MT, to New Orleans, LA
What is the best time of year to move from Missoula, MT 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT 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.
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 66.73 and 33.27 in Missoula. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 45 and 60 in Missoula. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans?
For families, Algiers Point, Bayou St. John, and East Carrollton are worth a look in New Orleans. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Freret, and Gentilly Terrace tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.