($473+) Tampa, FL to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Tampa, FL, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $473 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,749 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 656 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,306, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,749 or more.
- Moving containers run $981 - $3,348, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $473 - $1,285.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tampa, FL, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,832 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 Tampa, FL to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Tampa to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,832 - $5,000 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 71% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 656-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 656-mile route from Tampa to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,306 - $3,590 | $981 - $1,884 | $473 - $940 | $901 - $1,679 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,832 - $5,000 | $1,271 - $2,407 | $526 - $1,041 | $1,058 - $2,006 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,488 - $6,749 | $1,683 - $3,348 | $657 - $1,285 | $1,388 - $2,652 |
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 Tampa, FL to New Orleans, LA
Hiring full-service movers from Tampa, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,306 and $6,749. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 656-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $310 - $2,064, 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 Tampa and New Orleans. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tampa tend to start around $266 plus $84/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 Tampa to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,306 - $3,590
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,832 - $5,000
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,488 - $6,749
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 Tampa to New Orleans.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Tampa, FL to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Tampa 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 | $516 - $5,160 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage | $206 - $1,238/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,477 |
| 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 | $1,032 - $3,096 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,580 - $10,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $773 - $1,469 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 3 Guys Moving | $1,032 - $2,580 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Golden Movers LLC | $826 - $3,612 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $310 - $1,548 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $671 - $2,064 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,480+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,612+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tampa 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Tampa, FL. 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 Tampa, FL to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Tampa, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $981 and $3,348. 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 Tampa runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tampa to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $981 - $1,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,271 - $2,407
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,683 - $3,348
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $155 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 $722 in Tampa, FL, 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 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 $981. 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 $1,271 - $2,407.
What are the best moving containers Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa:
- Strong College Students Moving (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tampa, FL to New Orleans, LA
Truck rentals from Tampa, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana, range from $473 - $1,285 for the 656-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $215 - $246
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Tampa daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.60 - $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 Tampa to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $473 - $940
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $526 - $1,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $657 - $1,285
Pro tip: The base rate of $473 - $1,285 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tampa to New Orleans. Fuel ($215 - $246), lodging at around $155/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $215 - $246 for the 656-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Tampa, Florida, for about 5 hours typically costs around $722.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 656-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $155 per night, adding $310 - $464 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $310.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tampa 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 Tampa, FL to New Orleans, LA
For larger DIY moves from Tampa, Florida, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,058 and $2,006.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tampa to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $901 - $1,679
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,058 - $2,006
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,388 - $2,652
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?
- 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 $77 - $155 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Tampa, Florida, for about five hours typically runs $722.
What are the best freight companies from Tampa 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to New Orleans quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs New Orleans, LA
Tampa and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Tampa and 102 in New Orleans, and average rent is $1,930/mo vs. $1,755/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 51 vs 58 and safety scores are 53.85 vs 32.69.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Tampa, 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 656-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 656-mile route from Tampa, FL, to New Orleans, LA, run $1,306 - $6,749 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $981 - $3,348, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $473 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,832, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Tampa, FL, to New Orleans, LA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What is the best time of year to move from Tampa, FL 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 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.
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 53.85 and 46.15 in Tampa. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tampa, FL 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 $526 - $1,041. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Tampa movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Tampa handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.