($540+) Lexington, KY to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Lexington, KY, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $540 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,443 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 743 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 $1,661, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,443 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,002 - $3,552, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $540 - $1,362.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lexington, KY, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,277 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 Lexington, KY to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Lexington to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,277 - $5,785 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 43% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 743 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 743-mile route from Lexington 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 $1,661 - $4,477 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,002 - $1,933), rental truck ($540 - $996), or freight trailer ($911 - $1,723). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,277 - $5,785 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,443.
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 Lexington, KY to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 743-mile move from Lexington, Kentucky, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with costs ranging from $1,661 - $8,443. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $286 - $1,908. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Lexington and New Orleans. Local movers in Lexington typically start around $197 as a base rate plus $70/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lexington to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,661 - $4,477
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,277 - $5,785
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,016 - $8,443
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 Lexington to New Orleans.
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 Lexington, KY to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Lexington 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 packing67% of local movers | $477 - $4,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Wildcat Moving LLC | $191 - $1,145/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,290 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage23% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs68% of local movers | $954 - $2,862 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,385 - $9,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $715 - $1,358 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $954 - $2,385 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: From Here To There, LLC | $763 - $3,339 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $286 - $1,431 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: From Here To There, LLC | $620 - $1,908 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,339+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lexington 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 Lexington, KY. 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 Lexington, KY to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Lexington, Kentucky, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,002 and $3,552. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to New Orleans. If you go over that window, storage in Lexington adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lexington to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,002 - $1,933
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,731
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,552
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Lexington, KY, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $668, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $72 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $143 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Lexington, KY, and New Orleans, LA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Kentucky 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 $1,002. 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 $1,300 - $2,731.
What are the best moving containers Lexington 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 Lexington 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 Lexington:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 20 years in business
- From Here To There, LLC (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- My 3 Son's Moving, 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Lexington, KY to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck for this 743-mile move from Lexington, Kentucky, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $540 and $1,362. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $226 - $258
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Lexington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Lexington to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $540 - $996
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $544 - $1,170
- 4+ bedrooms: $680 - $1,362
Pro tip: The base rate of $540 - $1,362 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Lexington to New Orleans. Fuel ($226 - $258), lodging at around $143/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $72 and $334.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $143.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $226 and $258 for the 743-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 $668 for 2 movers in Lexington, Kentucky, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lexington 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 Lexington, KY to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Lexington, Kentucky, to New Orleans, 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 $859 and $2,018.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lexington to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $911 - $1,723
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,082 - $2,018
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,493 - $2,707
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $72 and $143.
- 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 Lexington, Kentucky, for roughly five hours typically average $668.
What are the best freight companies from Lexington to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Lexington, KY vs New Orleans, LA
Lexington and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Lexington and 102 in New Orleans, and average rent is $1,345/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 90 vs 58 and safety scores are 49.12 vs 32.69.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Lexington, KY guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Kentucky to Louisiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 75 movers in our Kentucky network to compare for this 743-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Lexington, KY, to New Orleans, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,661 for a studio to $8,443 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 743-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,002 - $3,552. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $540 - $1,362, 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 $2,277 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 Lexington, KY, to New Orleans, LA
What do local movers charge in Lexington?
Local movers based in Lexington typically start around $197 as a base rate, plus $70/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.
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 90 and 85 in Lexington. 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 49.12 and 50.88 in Lexington. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Lexington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Lexington handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.