($1,206+) New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA

Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,102 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,706 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,453, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,706 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,663 - $5,476, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,102 - $3,156.
  • 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 $3,482 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,482 - $7,873 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,890-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.

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 $2,453 - $5,723 $1,663 - $3,210 $1,102 - $2,233 $1,497 - $2,697
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,482 - $7,873 $2,046 - $4,496 $1,218 - $2,762 $1,586 - $3,392
4+ bedrooms $6,381 - $11,706 $2,941 - $5,476 $1,582 - $3,156 $2,353 - $4,612

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA

For the 1,890-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Irvine, California, full-service movers cost between $2,453 and $11,706. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $382 - $2,544 (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 New Orleans generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,453 - $5,723
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,482 - $7,873
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,381 - $11,706

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: 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 New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$636 - $6,360
Storage in transitNew place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers$254 - $1,526/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$382 - $3,053
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$1,272 - $3,816
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,180 - $12,720
Car shippingSecond vehicle$953 - $1,810
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc.$1,272 - $3,180
PianoAny piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers$1,018 - $4,452
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers$382 - $1,908
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc.$827 - $2,544
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$382 - $19,080+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$382 - $4,452+

What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Irvine?

California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 New Orleans, LA. 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 New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA

Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,663 and $5,476. 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 Irvine. If you go over that window, storage in New Orleans adds around $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,663 - $3,210
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,046 - $4,496
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,941 - $5,476

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $890 in New Orleans, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $95 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $191 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Irvine, CA, destination before booking.

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 $1,663. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,046 - $4,496, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Irvine?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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:

  • Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 72 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
  • AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 1,890-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Irvine, California, costs between $1,102 and $3,156, before these typical add-ons:

  • 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 sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 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: $1,102 - $2,233
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,218 - $2,762
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,582 - $3,156

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,102 - $3,156 does not include fuel ($765 - $874) , lodging ($191/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from New Orleans to Irvine typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $191 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 New Orleans, Louisiana, usually costs about $890 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 1,890-mile drive falls between $765 and $874, 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 $64 and $382 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Irvine?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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

For larger DIY moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, 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 Irvine, California.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,586 and $3,392.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,497 - $2,697
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,586 - $3,392
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,353 - $4,612

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In New Orleans, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $890.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $95 - $191 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Irvine?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. T C I Trucking (4.66/5 stars): T C I Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from New Orleans to Irvine. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

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 index102165
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 rate11.0%5.4%
State income taxUp to 4.25%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score58/10043/100
Safety index32.69/10068.99/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 29 movers in Louisiana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,890-mile move.

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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 $2,453 for a studio to $11,706 for a 4 - 5 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 $1,663 - $5,476. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,102 - $3,156, 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 $3,482 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

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 3 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 $2,453 to $11,706, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,453 and $11,706, 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 $1,218 - $2,762. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($765 - $874), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $191/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from New Orleans, LA to Irvine, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 88% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 38% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.