($1,116+) New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,116 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,830 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,890 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,220, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,830 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,538 - $5,600, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,116 - $2,976.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,219 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 New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA
Moving options from New Orleans to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,219 - $6,783 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 36% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 62% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,890 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,890-mile route from New Orleans to Irvine, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,220 - $5,087 | $1,538 - $2,999 | $1,116 - $2,189 | $1,440 - $2,466 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,219 - $6,783 | $2,048 - $4,160 | $1,219 - $2,431 | $1,559 - $3,393 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,838 - $10,830 | $2,559 - $5,600 | $1,551 - $2,976 | $2,176 - $4,481 |
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 New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,890-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Irvine, California, with prices running from $2,220 - $10,830. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $382 - $2,544 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between New Orleans and Irvine are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, New Orleans movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,220 - $5,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,219 - $6,783
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,838 - $10,830
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 New Orleans to Irvine.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $636 - $6,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $254 - $1,526/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $382 - $3,053 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,272 - $3,816 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,180 - $12,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $953 - $1,810 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,272 - $3,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $1,018 - $4,452 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $382 - $1,908 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $827 - $2,544 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $382 - $19,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $382 - $4,452+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Irvine?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in New Orleans, LA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,538 and $5,600. 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 New Orleans typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,538 - $2,999
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,048 - $4,160
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,559 - $5,600
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 New Orleans, LA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $890, 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 $95 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $191 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both New Orleans, LA, and Irvine, CA, 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 Louisiana to California 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 $1,538. 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 $2,048 - $4,160.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Irvine?
- 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans:
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
- Moving Nola (5.0/5)
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,890 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Irvine, California, running $1,116 - $2,976. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $765 - $874
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- New Orleans daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 New Orleans to Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,116 - $2,189
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,551 - $2,976
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,116 - $2,976 when pricing out a rental truck from New Orleans to Irvine. Fuel alone runs $765 - $874, and overnight lodging ($191/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 $95 and $445.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $191.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $765 and $874 for the 1,890-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 $890 for 2 movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Irvine?
- 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 New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Irvine, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,559 and $3,393.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,440 - $2,466
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,559 - $3,393
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,176 - $4,481
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 $95 and $191.
- 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 New Orleans, Louisiana, for roughly five hours typically average $890.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Irvine?
- 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine 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: New Orleans, LA vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with New Orleans on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | New Orleans, LA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,755/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $300,283 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $55,339/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 58/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 32.69/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Irvine, CA to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Louisiana to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 73 movers in Louisiana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,890-mile move.
Our take
For a move from New Orleans, LA, to Irvine, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,220 for a studio to $10,830 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,890-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,538 - $5,600. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,116 - $2,976, 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 $3,219 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 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Irvine, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What do local movers charge in New Orleans?
Local movers based in New Orleans 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 Irvine run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,116 to $10,830, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,220 and $10,830, 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 is the cheapest way to move from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA?
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 $1,219 - $2,431. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.