($1,063+) New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,129 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,109 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 $2,317, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,109 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,572 - $5,777, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,129 - $3,197.
- 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 $3,159 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,159 - $7,009 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,893 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
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:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,317 - $5,201 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,572 - $3,006), rental truck ($1,129 - $2,216), or freight trailer ($1,332 - $2,679). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,159 - $7,009 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,109.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,893-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, with prices running from $2,317 - $10,109. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $378 - $2,520 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between New Orleans and Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,317 - $5,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,159 - $7,009
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,274 - $10,109
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: 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 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 movers21% 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?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage 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 New Orleans, LA. 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 New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,572 and $5,777. 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 New Orleans runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,572 - $3,006
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,032 - $3,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,617 - $5,777
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 $882, 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 $189 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both New Orleans, LA, and Los Angeles, 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 $1,572. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,032 - $3,965, 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
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,893 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, running $1,129 - $3,197. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $1,129 - $2,216
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,139 - $2,586
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,480 - $3,197
Pro tip: A rental truck from New Orleans to Los Angeles looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,129 - $3,197. But once you factor in fuel ($759 - $867) , overnight lodging ($189/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $759 - $867 for the 1,893-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $882.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,893-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $189 per night, adding $378 - $567 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $63 and $378.
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
If you're moving a larger household from New Orleans, Louisiana, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Los Angeles, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,562 and $3,270.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,332 - $2,679
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,562 - $3,270
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,159 - $4,623
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $882.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $95 and $189 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- T C I Trucking (4.58/5 stars): T C I Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Los Angeles 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 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 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 1,893-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from New Orleans, LA, to Los Angeles, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,317 - $10,109 on the 1,893-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,572 - $5,777 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,129 - $3,197 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,159 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($759 - $867), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $189/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.