($744+) Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $744 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,608 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,200 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,189, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,608 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,284 - $4,274, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $744 - $1,996.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,881 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 Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA
Moving options from Minneapolis to Lafayette fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,881 - $6,234 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 48% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,200 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,200-mile route from Minneapolis to Lafayette, 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 $2,189 - $4,818 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,284 - $2,384), rental truck ($744 - $1,377), or freight trailer ($1,146 - $1,960). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,881 - $6,234 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,608.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,200-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lafayette, Louisiana, with costs ranging from $2,189 - $8,608. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $301 - $2,004. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Lafayette. Local movers in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,189 - $4,818
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,881 - $6,234
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,470 - $8,608
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 Minneapolis to Lafayette.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lafayette, 40% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $501 - $5,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $200 - $1,202/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,405 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,002 - $3,006 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,505 - $10,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $750 - $1,426 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,002 - $2,505 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $802 - $3,507 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $301 - $1,503 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $651 - $2,004 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,030+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,507+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Lafayette?
Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Louisiana, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Minneapolis, MN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,284 and $4,274. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Lafayette. If you go over that window, storage in Minneapolis adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,284 - $2,384
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,512 - $3,227
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,048 - $4,274
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Lafayette, LA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $701 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $150 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to Louisiana 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 $1,284. 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 $1,512 - $3,227.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Lafayette?
- 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,200-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lafayette, Louisiana, costs between $744 and $1,996, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $383 - $437
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Minneapolis to Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $744 - $1,377
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $797 - $1,654
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,073 - $1,996
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $744 - $1,996 when pricing out a rental truck from Minneapolis to Lafayette. Fuel alone runs $383 - $437, and overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 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 $65 and $326 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $383 - $437 in fuel for the 1,200-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $701 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Lafayette?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lafayette, Louisiana, 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 $1,249 and $2,658.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,146 - $1,960
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,249 - $2,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,690 - $3,486
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $75 and $150.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $701.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Lafayette?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Minneapolis to Lafayette. 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: Minneapolis, MN vs Lafayette, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lafayette, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 90 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $2,825/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $249,492 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $61,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 54.25/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Lafayette, LA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Louisiana, 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 151 movers licensed in Minnesota, useful context for sizing up this 1,200-mile move.
Our take
The 1,200-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Lafayette, LA, costs between $2,189 and $8,608 with full-service movers, $1,284 - $4,274 with a moving container, and $744 - $1,996 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 $2,881 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Lafayette, LA
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $744 to $8,608, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,189 and $8,608, 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.
How walkable is Lafayette?
Lafayette has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 71 and 83 in Minneapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($383 - $437), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to Lafayette, LA?
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. Louisiana 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.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.