($522+) St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from St. Petersburg, FL, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $522 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,967 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 790 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,473, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,967 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,001 - $3,299, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $522 - $1,490.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Petersburg, FL, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,933 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from St. Petersburg to Lafayette: 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 $1,933 - $4,877. Containers cost roughly 33% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 70% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 790 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 790-mile route from St. Petersburg to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,473 - $3,778 | $1,001 - $1,863 | $522 - $1,045 | $958 - $1,642 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,933 - $4,877 | $1,287 - $2,690 | $582 - $1,192 | $1,030 - $2,088 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,375 - $6,967 | $1,726 - $3,299 | $765 - $1,490 | $1,395 - $2,861 |
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 St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA
Hiring full-service movers from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Lafayette, Louisiana, costs between $1,473 and $6,967. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 790-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $293 - $1,956, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between St. Petersburg and Lafayette. For a rough baseline, movers based in St. Petersburg tend to start around $318 plus $185/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Petersburg to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,473 - $3,778
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,933 - $4,877
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,375 - $6,967
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 St. Petersburg to Lafayette.
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 St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of St. Petersburg movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lafayette, 40% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $489 - $4,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Let's Get Moving, Inc. | $196 - $1,174/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $293 - $2,347 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $978 - $2,934 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,445 - $9,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $733 - $1,392 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 3 Guys Moving | $978 - $2,445 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Let's Get Moving, Inc. | $782 - $3,423 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $293 - $1,467 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $636 - $1,956 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $293 - $14,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $293 - $3,423+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Petersburg to Lafayette?
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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in St. Petersburg, FL. 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,001 and $3,299. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in St. Petersburg runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Petersburg to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,001 - $1,863
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,690
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $3,299
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Petersburg, FL and Lafayette, LA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $685 in St. Petersburg, FL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $147 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Florida 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 $1,001. 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 $1,287 - $2,690.
What are the best moving containers St. Petersburg to Lafayette?
- 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Strong College Students Moving (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 3 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA
Plan on $522 - $1,490 for a rental moving truck on the 790-mile route from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Lafayette, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $246 - $281
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- St. Petersburg daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 St. Petersburg to Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $522 - $1,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $582 - $1,192
- 4+ bedrooms: $765 - $1,490
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from St. Petersburg to Lafayette starts at $522 - $1,490, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($246 - $281), overnight lodging ($147/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in St. Petersburg, Florida, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $685.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $246 - $281 for the 790-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 $59 and $318, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $147 per night for hotel stops on the 790-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $293 - $440.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Petersburg to Lafayette?
- 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Lafayette, 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 $880 and $2,088.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Petersburg to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $958 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,030 - $2,088
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,395 - $2,861
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 $73 - $147 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in St. Petersburg, Florida, for about five hours typically runs $685.
What are the best freight companies from St. Petersburg to Lafayette?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from St. Petersburg to Lafayette, 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: St. Petersburg, FL vs Lafayette, LA
Day-to-day costs in Lafayette are close to what you're used to in St. Petersburg: cost of living index of 90 versus 103, with average rent of $2,825/mo compared to $2,075/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 43/100 and 60.46/100 in St. Petersburg versus 42/100 and 54.25/100 in Lafayette.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette, LA to St. Petersburg, FL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Florida 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 885 movers licensed in Florida, useful context for sizing up this 790-mile move.
Our take
The 790-mile move from St. Petersburg, FL, to Lafayette, LA, costs between $1,473 and $6,967 with full-service movers, $1,001 - $3,299 with a moving container, and $522 - $1,490 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,933 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from St. Petersburg, FL, to Lafayette, LA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($246 - $281), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, 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 $582 - $1,192. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from St. Petersburg, FL to Lafayette, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $522 to $6,967, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,473 and $6,967, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in St. Petersburg?
Local movers based in St. Petersburg typically start around $318 as a base rate, plus $185/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 Lafayette run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of St. Petersburg movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in St. Petersburg handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.