($1,395+) New Orleans, LA to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $1,342 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,345 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,237 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,589, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,345 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,825 - $6,234, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,342 - $3,597.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,688 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving options from New Orleans to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,688 - $7,700 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 2,237-mile route typically takes 6 to 17 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,237-mile route from New Orleans to San Francisco, 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 $2,589 - $5,759 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,825 - $3,280), rental truck ($1,342 - $2,671), or freight trailer ($1,564 - $3,135). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,688 - $7,700 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,345.
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 San Francisco, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,237-mile relocation from New Orleans, Louisiana, to San Francisco, California, cost between $2,589 and $12,345. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $478 - $3,184, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in New Orleans typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,589 - $5,759
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,688 - $7,700
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,647 - $12,345
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 San Francisco.
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 San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Francisco, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $796 - $7,960 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $318 - $1,910/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $478 - $3,821 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,592 - $4,776 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,980 - $15,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,192 - $2,265 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,592 - $3,980 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,274 - $5,572 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $478 - $2,388 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,035 - $3,184 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $478 - $23,880+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $478 - $5,572+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to San Francisco?
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 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,825 and $6,234. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in New Orleans typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,825 - $3,280
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,226 - $4,509
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,214 - $6,234
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $119 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $239 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in San Francisco, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,114 in New Orleans, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,825. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,226 - $4,509, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, CA
A rental truck for this 2,237-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to San Francisco, California, costs between $1,342 and $3,597. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,133 - $1,295
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- 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 San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $2,671
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,496 - $3,179
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,817 - $3,597
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,342 - $3,597 does not include fuel ($1,133 - $1,295) , lodging ($239/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from New Orleans to San Francisco 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 $239 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 $1,114 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,237-mile drive falls between $1,133 and $1,295, 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 $80 and $478 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 $1,818 and $3,834.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,564 - $3,135
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,818 - $3,834
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,597 - $5,295
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $119 - $239 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, typically costs $1,114.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to San Francisco?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- T C I Trucking (4.66/5 stars): T C I Trucking is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: New Orleans, LA vs San Francisco, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Francisco, side by side with New Orleans on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | New Orleans, LA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 245 |
| Average rent | $1,755/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $300,283 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $55,339/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 58/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 32.69/100 | 38.59/100 |
| 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 San Francisco, 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 2,237-mile move.
Our take
For a move from New Orleans, LA, to San Francisco, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,589 for a studio to $12,345 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,237-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,825 - $6,234. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,342 - $3,597, 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 $3,688 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 Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to San Francisco, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco?
For families, Bernal Heights, Inner Sunset, and Noe Valley are worth a look in San Francisco. If you're moving solo or without kids, Marina District, Mission Bay, and Mission District tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from New Orleans, LA to San Francisco, 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 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 San Francisco run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from New Orleans, LA to San Francisco, 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.
How much does it cost to move from New Orleans, LA to San Francisco, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,589 to $12,345, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,589 and $12,345, 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 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.
