($1,047+) New Orleans, LA to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $1,047 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,465 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,840 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 $2,295, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,465 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,516 - $5,401, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,047 - $2,817.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,112 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 Riverside, CA
Moving options from New Orleans to Riverside 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 $3,112 - $6,791 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 64% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,840 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,840-mile route from New Orleans to Riverside, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,295 - $5,168 | $1,516 - $2,981 | $1,047 - $2,118 | $1,311 - $2,581 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,112 - $6,791 | $1,864 - $3,977 | $1,122 - $2,472 | $1,615 - $3,245 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,203 - $10,465 | $2,654 - $5,401 | $1,429 - $2,817 | $2,059 - $4,406 |
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 Riverside, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,840-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Riverside, California, with prices running from $2,295 - $10,465. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $341 - $2,272 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between New Orleans and Riverside 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 Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,295 - $5,168
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,112 - $6,791
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,203 - $10,465
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 Riverside.
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 Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $568 - $5,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $227 - $1,363/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $341 - $2,726 |
| 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 | $1,136 - $3,408 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,840 - $11,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $851 - $1,617 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,136 - $2,840 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $909 - $3,976 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $341 - $1,704 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $738 - $2,272 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $341 - $17,040+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $341 - $3,976+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Riverside?
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 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 Riverside, CA
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,516 and $5,401. 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 Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,516 - $2,981
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,864 - $3,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,654 - $5,401
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both New Orleans, LA and Riverside, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $795 in New Orleans, LA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $85 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $170 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,516. 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 $1,864 - $3,977.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Riverside?
- 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 Riverside, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,840 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Riverside, California, running $1,047 - $2,817. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $665 - $760
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,047 - $2,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,122 - $2,472
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,817
Pro tip: A rental truck from New Orleans to Riverside looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,047 - $2,817. But once you factor in fuel ($665 - $760), overnight lodging ($170/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $85 and $398.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $170.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $665 and $760 for the 1,840-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 $795 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 Riverside?
- 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 Riverside, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Riverside, 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 $1,615 and $3,245.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,311 - $2,581
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,615 - $3,245
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,059 - $4,406
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?
- 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 $795.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $85 and $170 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Riverside?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from New Orleans to Riverside. 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 Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with New Orleans on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | New Orleans, LA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,755/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $300,283 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $55,339/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 58/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 32.69/100 | 59.76/100 |
| 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 Riverside, CA to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to California 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 73 movers in our Louisiana network to compare for this 1,840-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from New Orleans, LA, to Riverside, 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 $2,295 - $10,465 on the 1,840-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,516 - $5,401 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,047 - $2,817 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,112 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 Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Riverside, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($665 - $760), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $170/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Riverside?
Riverside has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, 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.
How much does it cost to move from New Orleans, LA to Riverside, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,047 to $10,465, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,295 and $10,465, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from New Orleans, LA to Riverside, 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 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.