($599+) Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $599 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,376 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 926 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 $1,856, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,376 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,107 - $3,740, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $599 - $1,773.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,235 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 Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago 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 $2,235 - $5,583. Containers cost roughly 39% 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 926 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 926-mile route from Chicago to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,856 for a studio up to $7,376 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,107 - $3,740 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $599 - $1,773, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $956 - $2,993, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
For the 926-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to New Orleans, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $1,856 and $7,376. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $313 - $2,088 (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 Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,856 - $4,630
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,235 - $5,583
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,712 - $7,376
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 Chicago to New Orleans.
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 Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago 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 packing78% of local movers | $522 - $5,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $209 - $1,253/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,506 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,044 - $3,132 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,610 - $10,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $782 - $1,486 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,044 - $2,610 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $835 - $3,654 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $313 - $1,566 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $679 - $2,088 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,654+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago 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 Chicago, IL. 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 Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,107 and $3,740. 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 Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $2,135
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,851
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,898 - $3,740
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and New Orleans, 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 $731 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $157 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 Illinois 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 $1,107. 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 $1,366 - $2,851.
What are the best moving containers Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 926 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $599 - $1,773. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $308 - $352
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $599 - $1,215
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $666 - $1,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $795 - $1,773
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $599 - $1,773 does not include fuel ($308 - $352), lodging ($157/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago 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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $731 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 926-mile drive falls between $308 and $352, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $313 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, 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 $1,173 and $2,259.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,902
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,173 - $2,259
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,626 - $2,993
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $78 - $157 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $731.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs New Orleans, LA
Day-to-day costs in New Orleans are close to what you're used to in Chicago: cost of living index of 102 versus 106, with average rent of $1,755/mo compared to $2,045/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 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago 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 Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois 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. Illinois alone has 314 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 926-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to New Orleans, LA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,856 - $7,376 on the 926-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,107 - $3,740, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $599 - $1,773. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,235 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to New Orleans, LA
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $599 to $7,376, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,856 and $7,376, 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 Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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.
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 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 Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.