($1,290+) Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $1,316 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,095 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,175 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,932, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $14,095 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,768 - $6,269, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,316 - $3,782.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,348 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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to New Orleans: 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 $4,348 - $9,674. 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 6 to 17 days for this 2,175-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 2,175-mile route from Missoula to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,932 for a studio up to $14,095 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,768 - $6,269 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,316 - $3,782, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,654 - $5,116, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers for the 2,175-mile relocation from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $2,932 and $14,095. 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 $326 - $2,172, 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 Missoula typically charge a base rate around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,932 - $6,764
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,348 - $9,674
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,485 - $14,095
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 Missoula to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to Louisiana. 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.
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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $543 - $5,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $217 - $1,303/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,606 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage33% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,086 - $3,258 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,715 - $10,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $813 - $1,545 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,086 - $2,715 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $869 - $3,801 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $326 - $1,629 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $706 - $2,172 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,801+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to New Orleans?
Movers licensed to operate in Louisiana are typically members of the Louisiana Motor Transport 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Missoula, MT. 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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,768 and $6,269. 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 Missoula costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,768 - $3,403
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,288 - $4,867
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,985 - $6,269
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $163 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in New Orleans, LA, 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 $760 in Missoula, MT. 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.
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 $1,768. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,288 - $4,867, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- All Lanes Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,175 miles from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $1,316 - $3,782. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $752 - $859
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
| 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 Missoula to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,316 - $2,618
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,383 - $2,966
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,870 - $3,782
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to New Orleans looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,316 - $3,782. But once you factor in fuel ($752 - $859) , overnight lodging ($163/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $752 - $859 for the 2,175-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $760.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,175-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $163 per night, adding $326 - $489 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $326.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula 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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $977 and $3,670.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,654 - $2,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,848 - $3,670
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,413 - $5,116
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?
- 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 $81 - $163 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about five hours typically runs $760.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Missoula to New Orleans. 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: Missoula, MT vs New Orleans, LA
Day-to-day costs in New Orleans are close to what you're used to in Missoula: cost of living index of 102 versus 113, with average rent of $1,755/mo compared to $1,322/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 45/100 and 66.73/100 in Missoula 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 Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quotes from Montana to Louisiana, 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 11 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 2,175-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Missoula, MT, to New Orleans, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,932 for a studio to $14,095 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,175-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,768 - $6,269. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,316 - $3,782, 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 $4,348 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to New Orleans, LA
How walkable is New Orleans?
New Orleans has a walkability score of 58 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 45 and 60 in Missoula. 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 ($752 - $859), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $163/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 Missoula, MT to New Orleans, 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 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 Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, compared to 71% nationally.
