($598+) New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, NC Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Raleigh, NC, runs anywhere from $598 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,217 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,909, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,217 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,031 - $3,571, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $598 - $1,614.
- 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.
Fact Checked by:
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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,469 - $5,698. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 873 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 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 | $1,909 - $4,390 | $1,031 - $1,888 | $598 - $1,151 | $929 - $1,841 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,469 - $5,698 | $1,396 - $2,785 | $640 - $1,290 | $1,162 - $2,096 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,964 - $8,217 | $1,820 - $3,571 | $755 - $1,614 | $1,531 - $2,944 |
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 Raleigh, NC
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 873-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Raleigh, North Carolina, with costs ranging from $1,909 - $8,217. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $311 - $2,072. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between New Orleans and Raleigh. Local movers in New Orleans typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,909 - $4,390
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,469 - $5,698
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,964 - $8,217
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.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Raleigh, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| 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 | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $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?
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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in New Orleans, LA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, NC
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Raleigh, North Carolina, cost between $1,031 and $3,571. 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 Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,031 - $1,888
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,396 - $2,785
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,820 - $3,571
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $725 in New Orleans, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $155 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Raleigh, NC, destination before booking.
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 $1,031. 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 $1,396 - $2,785.
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:
- 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 Raleigh, NC
Renting a moving truck for the 873-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Raleigh, North Carolina, costs between $598 and $1,614, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $598 - $1,151
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $640 - $1,290
- 4+ bedrooms: $755 - $1,614
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from New Orleans to Raleigh starts at $598 - $1,614, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($288 - $329), overnight lodging ($155/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $725.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $288 - $329 for the 873-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 $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 873-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $466.
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
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Raleigh, 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 $1,162 and $2,096.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $929 - $1,841
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,162 - $2,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,531 - $2,944
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 $78 - $155 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for about five hours typically runs $725.
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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from New Orleans to Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, NC
Good news for your budget: Raleigh isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than New Orleans. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 102 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 58/100 and 32.69/100 here versus 31/100 and 60.13/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Raleigh, NC to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to North Carolina, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 73 movers licensed in Louisiana, useful context for sizing up this 873-mile move.
Our take
The 873-mile move from New Orleans, LA, to Raleigh, NC, costs between $1,909 and $8,217 with full-service movers, $1,031 - $3,571 with a moving container, and $598 - $1,614 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,469 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 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 is the best time of year to move from New Orleans, LA to Raleigh, NC?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. North Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 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.
How walkable is Raleigh?
Raleigh has a walkability score of 31 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, 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.
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.