($616+) New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, NC Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Raleigh, NC, runs anywhere from $585 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,883 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 873 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 $1,986, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,883 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,197 - $3,901, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $585 - $1,661.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Raleigh, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,469 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 Raleigh, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from New Orleans to Raleigh: 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 $2,469 - $5,858. 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 873-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 873-mile route from New Orleans to Raleigh, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,986 - $4,607 | $1,197 - $2,107 | $585 - $1,174 | $1,068 - $1,933 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,469 - $5,858 | $1,451 - $2,865 | $632 - $1,354 | $1,232 - $2,456 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,413 - $7,883 | $1,970 - $3,901 | $833 - $1,661 | $1,656 - $2,999 |
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 Raleigh, NC
For the 873-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Raleigh, North Carolina, full-service movers cost between $1,986 and $7,883. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $311 - $2,072 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in New Orleans generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,986 - $4,607
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,469 - $5,858
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,413 - $7,883
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 Raleigh.
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 Raleigh, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Raleigh, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Raleigh?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers 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 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 Raleigh, NC
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Raleigh, North Carolina, cost between $1,197 and $3,901. 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 Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $2,107
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,451 - $2,865
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,970 - $3,901
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 $725, 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 $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $155 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both New Orleans, LA, and Raleigh, NC, 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 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 $1,197. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,451 - $2,865, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Raleigh?
- 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 Raleigh, NC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 873 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Raleigh, North Carolina, running $585 - $1,661. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $288 - $329
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Raleigh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $585 - $1,174
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $632 - $1,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $833 - $1,661
Pro tip: A rental truck from New Orleans to Raleigh looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $585 - $1,661. But once you factor in fuel ($288 - $329) , overnight lodging ($155/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $155 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $337 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $288 - $329 in fuel for the 873-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $725 in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Raleigh?
- 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 Raleigh, NC
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 Raleigh, North Carolina.
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 $1,232 and $2,456.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,068 - $1,933
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,656 - $2,999
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $725.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $155 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Raleigh?
- 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.
- T C I Trucking (4.66/5 stars): T C I Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from New Orleans to Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC
New Orleans and Raleigh land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 102 in New Orleans and 106 in Raleigh, and rent tracks closely too ($1,755/mo vs. $1,670/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (58 vs 31) and safety scores (32.69 vs 60.13) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Raleigh, NC 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 North Carolina, 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 873-mile move.
Our take
A move from New Orleans, LA, to Raleigh, 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 $1,986 - $7,883 on the 873-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,197 - $3,901, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $585 - $1,661. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,469 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 Raleigh tend to point to exceptional beauty and ample economic opportunity, though high cost of living and quiet nightlife come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include State of North Carolina and WakeMed.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Raleigh, NC
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($288 - $329), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, 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 $632 - $1,354. 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 Raleigh, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $1,986 to $7,883, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,986 and $7,883, 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 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 Raleigh run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
