($1,177+) Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA Movers
The cost to move from Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA ranges from $1,362 to $11,535, with an average cost of $4,150. Moves can be as low as $1,177 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,840 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 Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Riverside to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,362 - $11,535 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 1,840 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 1,840-mile route from Riverside to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,362 - $5,315 with full-service movers, $1,512 - $3,161 with a container, $1,087 - $2,224 with a rental truck, or $1,476 - $2,764 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,503 - $7,725 full-service, $1,955 - $4,427 by container, $1,202 - $2,698 by rental truck, or $1,729 - $3,238 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,577 - $11,535 full-service, $2,673 - $5,727 by container, $1,546 - $3,239 by rental truck, or $2,273 - $4,762 by freight.
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 Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA
For the 1,840-mile move from Riverside, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $1,362 and $11,535. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $358 - $2,388 (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 Riverside generally start around $239 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Riverside to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,362 - $5,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,503 - $7,725
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,577 - $11,535
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 Riverside 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 Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Riverside 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 | $597 - $5,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $239 - $1,433/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $358 - $2,866 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,194 - $3,582 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,985 - $11,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $894 - $1,699 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $1,194 - $2,985 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $955 - $4,179 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $358 - $1,791 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $776 - $2,388 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $358 - $17,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $358 - $4,179+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Riverside to New Orleans?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Riverside, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Riverside, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,512 and $5,727. 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 Riverside typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Riverside to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,512 - $3,161
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,955 - $4,427
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,673 - $5,727
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $90 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $179 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $836 in Riverside, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your New Orleans, LA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,512. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,955 - $4,427, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside:
- JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
- Burgess Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 80 years in business
- Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,840-mile move from Riverside, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,087 and $3,239, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $699 - $799
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Riverside 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 Riverside to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $2,224
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,202 - $2,698
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,546 - $3,239
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,087 - $3,239 when pricing out a rental truck from Riverside to New Orleans. Fuel alone runs ($699 - $799) , and overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $90 and $418.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $179.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $699 and $799 for the 1,840-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $836 for 2 movers in Riverside, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Riverside 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 Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Riverside, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,729 and $3,238.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Riverside to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,476 - $2,764
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,729 - $3,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,273 - $4,762
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?
- 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 $90 and $179.
- 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 Riverside, California, for roughly five hours typically average $836.
What are the best freight companies from Riverside to New Orleans?
- 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.
- 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling 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 are a great option when you need your belongings in New Orleans fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Riverside, 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 Riverside on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 102 |
| Average rent | $2,295/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $539,898 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $88,575/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 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 Riverside, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Louisiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,840-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Riverside, CA, to New Orleans, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,362 for a studio to $11,535 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,840-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,512 - $5,727. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,087 - $3,239, 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 $3,503 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 Riverside, CA, to New Orleans, LA
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 43 and 49 in Riverside. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 59.76 and 40.24 in Riverside. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Riverside, 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Riverside, 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 long does a move from Riverside, 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 percentage of Riverside movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Riverside handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
