($585+) New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $610 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,297 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,832, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,297 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,151 - $3,824, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $610 - $1,627.
- 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 $2,518 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,518 - $6,285. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 851-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 $1,832 - $4,844, container $1,151 - $2,044, rental truck $610 - $1,104, freight trailer $1,057 - $1,896.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,518 - $6,285, container $1,539 - $2,806, rental truck $699 - $1,368, freight trailer $1,149 - $2,386.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,076 - $8,297, container $2,029 - $3,824, rental truck $858 - $1,627, freight trailer $1,640 - $3,121.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 23, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC
Full-service movers for the 851-mile relocation from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,832 and $8,297. 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 $302 - $2,016, 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 Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,832 - $4,844
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,518 - $6,285
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,076 - $8,297
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 75% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Durham, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $504 - $5,040 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $202 - $1,210/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $302 - $2,419 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,008 - $3,024 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,520 - $10,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $755 - $1,434 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,008 - $2,520 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $806 - $3,528 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $302 - $1,512 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $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?
Look for North Carolina Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in North Carolina 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in New Orleans, LA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,151 and $3,824. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in New Orleans costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,044
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,539 - $2,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,029 - $3,824
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 $1,151. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,539 - $2,806, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- 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 Durham, NC
Plan on $610 - $1,627 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: $610 - $1,104
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $699 - $1,368
- 4+ bedrooms: $858 - $1,627
Pro tip: The base rate of $610 - $1,627 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from New Orleans to Durham. Fuel ($273 - $312) , lodging at around $151/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $706.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $273 - $312 for the 851-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $328, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $151 per night for hotel stops on the 851-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $302 - $454.
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
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 Durham, North Carolina.
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 $1,149 and $2,386.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,057 - $1,896
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,386
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,640 - $3,121
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In New Orleans, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $706.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $76 - $151 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- T C I Trucking (4.66/5 stars): T C I Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from New Orleans to Durham. 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 Durham, NC
Day-to-day costs in Durham are close to what you're used to in New Orleans: cost of living index of 99 versus 102, with average rent of $1,699/mo compared to $1,755/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 58/100 and 32.69/100 in New Orleans versus 30/100 and 45.28/100 in Durham.
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 29 movers based in Louisiana, handy for sizing up options on this 851-mile route.
Our take
For a move from New Orleans, LA, to Durham, NC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,832 for a studio to $8,297 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 851-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,151 - $3,824. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $610 - $1,627, 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 $2,518 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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
How long does a move from New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC 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 ($273 - $312), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $151/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 $699 - $1,368. 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 $1,832 to $8,297, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,832 and $8,297, 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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.
