($1,194+) New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,102 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,483 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,893 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 $2,477, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,483 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,679 - $5,822, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,102 - $3,349.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Los Angeles, 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.
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Compare moving options from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from New Orleans to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,482 - $7,570 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,893 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 1,893-mile route from New Orleans to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,477 for a studio up to $11,483 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,679 - $5,822 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,102 - $3,349, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,512 - $4,797, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,893-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, with costs ranging from $2,477 - $11,483. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $378 - $2,520. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Local movers in New Orleans typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,477 - $5,613
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,482 - $7,570
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,253 - $11,483
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 Los Angeles.
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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Los Angeles, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $630 - $6,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $252 - $1,512/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $378 - $3,024 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,260 - $3,780 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,150 - $12,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $944 - $1,793 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,260 - $3,150 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,008 - $4,410 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $378 - $1,890 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $819 - $2,520 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $378 - $18,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $378 - $4,410+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Los Angeles?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,679 and $5,822. 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 Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,679 - $3,149
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,108 - $4,325
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,970 - $5,822
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 $882 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 $189 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 Los Angeles, 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 $1,679. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,108 - $4,325, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Los Angeles?
- 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:
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck for this 1,893-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $1,102 and $3,349. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $759 - $867
- 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 Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,102 - $2,188
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,280 - $2,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,551 - $3,349
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,102 - $3,349 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Fuel ($759 - $867) , lodging at around $189/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $189 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 $882 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,893-mile drive falls between $759 and $867, 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 $63 and $378 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Los Angeles?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,703 and $3,494.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,512 - $2,752
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,703 - $3,494
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,284 - $4,797
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $189.
- 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 $882.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Los Angeles?
- 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.
- 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Los Angeles 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: New Orleans, LA vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with New Orleans on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | New Orleans, LA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,755/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $300,283 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $55,339/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 58/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 32.69/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Los Angeles, CA to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 29 movers based in Louisiana, handy for sizing up options on this 1,893-mile route.
Our take
The 1,893-mile move from New Orleans, LA, to Los Angeles, CA, costs between $2,477 and $11,483 with full-service movers, $1,679 - $5,822 with a moving container, and $1,102 - $3,349 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,482 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Los Angeles, CA
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?
Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, compared to 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 58 and 66 in New Orleans. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.
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 Los Angeles run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
