($397+) Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Austin, TX, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $397 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,944 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 511 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,140, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,944 or more.
- Moving containers run $928 - $2,863, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $397 - $1,107.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Austin, TX, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,921 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 Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Austin to New Orleans 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 $1,921 - $5,115 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 511 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 511-mile route from Austin to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,140 - $3,873 | $928 - $1,646 | $397 - $744 | $826 - $1,572 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,921 - $5,115 | $1,237 - $2,343 | $436 - $937 | $980 - $1,949 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,826 - $7,944 | $1,662 - $2,863 | $549 - $1,107 | $1,330 - $2,385 |
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 Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA
Hiring full-service movers from Austin, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,140 and $7,944. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 511-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $355 - $2,364, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Austin and New Orleans. For a rough baseline, movers based in Austin tend to start around $191 plus $90/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Austin to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,140 - $3,873
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,921 - $5,115
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,826 - $7,944
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 Austin to New Orleans.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Austin 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 packing78% of local movers | $591 - $5,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Square Cow | $236 - $1,418/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $355 - $2,837 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers | $1,182 - $3,546 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,955 - $11,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $885 - $1,682 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items35% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,182 - $2,955 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $946 - $4,137 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $355 - $1,773 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $768 - $2,364 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $355 - $17,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $355 - $4,137+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Austin 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Austin, TX. 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 Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Austin, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $928 and $2,863. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Austin typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Austin to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $928 - $1,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,343
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,662 - $2,863
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $89 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $177 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 $827 in Austin, TX. 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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $928. 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 $1,237 - $2,343.
What are the best moving containers Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin:
- Square Cow (4.8/5), 18 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.9/5), 41 years in business
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 511 miles from Austin, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $397 - $1,107. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $192 - $220
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Austin daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Austin to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $397 - $744
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $436 - $937
- 4+ bedrooms: $549 - $1,107
Pro tip: A rental truck from Austin to New Orleans looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $397 - $1,107. But once you factor in fuel ($192 - $220), overnight lodging ($177/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $177 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Austin, Texas, usually costs about $827 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 511-mile drive falls between $192 and $220, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $59 and $355 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Austin 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 Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Austin, Texas, 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 New Orleans, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $980 and $1,949.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Austin to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $826 - $1,572
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $980 - $1,949
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,330 - $2,385
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?
- 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 $89 - $177 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 Austin, Texas, typically costs $827.
What are the best freight companies from Austin to New Orleans?
- 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 Austin 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: Austin, TX vs New Orleans, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in New Orleans, side by side with Austin on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Austin, TX | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 129 | 102 |
| Average rent | $1,765/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $512,969 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $91,461/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 42/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 59.87/100 | 32.69/100 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA to Austin, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 843 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 511-mile move.
Our take
The 511-mile move from Austin, TX, to New Orleans, LA, costs between $1,140 and $7,944 with full-service movers, $928 - $2,863 with a moving container, and $397 - $1,107 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 $1,921 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 Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Austin, TX, to New Orleans, LA
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.
How much does it cost to move from Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $397 to $7,944, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,140 and $7,944, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Austin, TX 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 $436 - $937. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($192 - $220), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $177/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 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 percentage of Austin movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Austin handle piano moves, and 35% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.