($558+) New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $558 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,591 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 851 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,782, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,591 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,042 - $3,607, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $558 - $1,614.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,305 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 Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from New Orleans to Durham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,305 - $5,813. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 72% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 851 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 851-mile route from New Orleans to Durham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,782 - $4,659, container $1,042 - $1,987, rental truck $558 - $1,107, freight trailer $929 - $1,841.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,305 - $5,813, container $1,424 - $2,757, rental truck $640 - $1,329, freight trailer $1,084 - $2,228.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,766 - $7,591, container $1,783 - $3,607, rental truck $762 - $1,614, freight trailer $1,426 - $3,030.
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 Durham, NC
Hiring full-service movers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $1,782 and $7,591. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 851-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $302 - $2,016, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between New Orleans and Durham. For a rough baseline, movers based in New Orleans tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,782 - $4,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,305 - $5,813
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,766 - $7,591
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 Durham.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Durham, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $504 - $5,040 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $202 - $1,210/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $302 - $2,419 |
| 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 | $1,008 - $3,024 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,520 - $10,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $755 - $1,434 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,008 - $2,520 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $806 - $3,528 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $302 - $1,512 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $655 - $2,016 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $302 - $15,120+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $302 - $3,528+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Durham?
All three below meet the standards set by the North Carolina Movers Association, the group most North Carolina movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in New Orleans, LA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,042 and $3,607. 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 Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,042 - $1,987
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,424 - $2,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,783 - $3,607
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $76 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $151 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Durham, NC, 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 $706 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 North Carolina 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 $1,042. 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 $1,424 - $2,757.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Durham?
- 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 Durham, NC
Plan on $558 - $1,614 for a rental moving truck on the 851-mile route from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Durham, North Carolina. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $273 - $312
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $558 - $1,107
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $640 - $1,329
- 4+ bedrooms: $762 - $1,614
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from New Orleans to Durham starts at $558 - $1,614, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($273 - $312), overnight lodging ($151/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $76 and $353.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $151.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $273 and $312 for the 851-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 $706 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 Durham?
- 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 Durham, NC
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Durham, North Carolina, 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 $1,084 and $2,228.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $929 - $1,841
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,084 - $2,228
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,426 - $3,030
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $76 - $151 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for about five hours typically runs $706.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from New Orleans to Durham, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: New Orleans, LA vs Durham, NC
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between New Orleans and Durham to plan around. Cost of living index: 102 vs. 99. Average rent: $1,755/mo vs. $1,699/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 58 vs. 30. Safety index: 32.69 vs. 45.28.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to North Carolina 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 73 movers based in Louisiana, handy for sizing up options on this 851-mile route.
Our take
A move from New Orleans, LA, to Durham, NC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,782 - $7,591 on the 851-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,042 - $3,607, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $558 - $1,614. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,305 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Durham tend to point to low cost of living and quality education, though terrible traffic and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System and IBM.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Durham, NC
What is the cheapest way to move from New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC?
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 $640 - $1,329. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $558 to $7,591, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,782 and $7,591, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Durham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).
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.