($759+) Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $759 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,047 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,221 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 $2,255, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,047 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,223 - $4,147, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $759 - $2,058.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,909 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 New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Minneapolis to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,909 - $6,299 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 45% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 72% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,221-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,221-mile route from Minneapolis to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,255 for a studio up to $9,047 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,223 - $4,147 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $759 - $2,058, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,112 - $3,283, billed by the space you actually use.
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 New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers for the 1,221-mile relocation from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $2,255 and $9,047. 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 $315 - $2,100, 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 Minneapolis typically charge a base rate around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,255 - $5,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,909 - $6,299
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,470 - $9,047
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 New Orleans.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New Orleans, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $525 - $5,250 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $210 - $1,260/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $315 - $2,520 |
| 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 | $1,050 - $3,150 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,625 - $10,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $786 - $1,494 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,050 - $2,625 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $840 - $3,675 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $315 - $1,575 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $683 - $2,100 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $315 - $15,750+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $315 - $3,675+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to New Orleans?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Louisiana Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Minneapolis, MN. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,223 and $4,147. 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 Minneapolis costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,223 - $2,361
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,592 - $3,067
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,112 - $4,147
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 $735 in Minneapolis, MN. 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 $79 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $158 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 New Orleans, LA, destination before booking.
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 $1,223. 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 $1,592 - $3,067.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to New Orleans?
- 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 New Orleans, LA
A rental truck for this 1,221-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $759 and $2,058. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $408 - $466
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $759 - $1,506
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $822 - $1,637
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,042 - $2,058
Pro tip: The base rate of $759 - $2,058 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Minneapolis to New Orleans. Fuel ($408 - $466), lodging at around $158/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $158 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 $68 and $341 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $408 - $466 in fuel for the 1,221-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $735 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to New Orleans?
- 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 New Orleans, LA
For larger DIY moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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 New Orleans, Louisiana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,300 and $2,607.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,112 - $2,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,607
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,794 - $3,283
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $79 - $158 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, typically costs $735.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to New Orleans quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs New Orleans, LA
Day-to-day costs in New Orleans are close to what you're used to in Minneapolis: cost of living index of 102 versus 107, with average rent of $1,755/mo compared to $1,484/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 71/100 and 43.94/100 in Minneapolis versus 58/100 and 32.69/100 in New Orleans.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Louisiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 151 movers in our Minnesota network to compare for this 1,221-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,221-mile route from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA, run $2,255 - $9,047 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,223 - $4,147, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $759 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,909, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to New Orleans, LA
Is New Orleans a safe place to live?
New Orleans has a safety index of 32.69 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.31, compared to 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA?
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 $822 - $1,637. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans?
For families, Algiers Point, Bayou St. John, and East Carrollton are worth a look in New Orleans. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Freret, and Gentilly Terrace tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Minneapolis, MN to New Orleans, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 do local movers charge in Minneapolis?
Local movers based in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $109/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 New Orleans run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.