($499+) McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $541 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,609 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 694 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 $1,568, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,609 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,073 - $3,318, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $541 - $1,386.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,366 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 McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to New Orleans: 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 $2,366 - $5,992. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 694 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 694-mile route from McAllen to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,568 - $4,193 with full-service movers, $1,073 - $2,001 with a container, $541 - $963 with a rental truck, or $1,014 - $1,749 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,366 - $5,992 full-service, $1,349 - $2,557 by container, $561 - $1,156 by rental truck, or $1,102 - $2,261 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,930 - $8,609 full-service, $1,934 - $3,318 by container, $672 - $1,386 by rental truck, or $1,458 - $2,683 by freight.
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 McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA
For the 694-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $1,568 and $8,609. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $259 - $1,728 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in McAllen generally start around $160 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,568 - $4,193
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,366 - $5,992
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,930 - $8,609
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 McAllen to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 57% of McAllen 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 packing71% of local movers | $432 - $4,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc. | $173 - $1,037/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,074 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $864 - $2,592 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,160 - $8,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $647 - $1,229 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $864 - $2,160 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc. | $691 - $3,024 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling57% of local movers | $259 - $1,296 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $562 - $1,728 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,024+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to New Orleans?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in McAllen, TX. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,073 and $3,318. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in McAllen typically costs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,073 - $2,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,349 - $2,557
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,934 - $3,318
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $65 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $130 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $605 in McAllen, TX, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your New Orleans, LA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,073. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,349 - $2,557, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers McAllen 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 McAllen 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 McAllen:
- Groves Moving and Storage (3.5/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA
Plan on $541 - $1,386 for a rental moving truck on the 694-mile route from McAllen, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $191 - $218
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 McAllen to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $541 - $963
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $561 - $1,156
- 4+ bedrooms: $672 - $1,386
Pro tip: A rental truck from McAllen to New Orleans looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $541 - $1,386. But once you factor in fuel ($191 - $218) , overnight lodging ($130/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $605.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $191 - $218 for the 694-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 $52 and $281, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $130 per night for hotel stops on the 694-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $259 - $389.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen 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 McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA
For larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,102 and $2,261.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,014 - $1,749
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,261
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,458 - $2,683
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 $65 - $130 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $605.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to New Orleans?
- 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.
- Royal Freight Lp (4.66/5 stars): Royal Freight Lp is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: McAllen, 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 McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 102 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 32.69/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 McAllen, 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 289 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 694-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from McAllen, TX, to New Orleans, LA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,568 - $8,609 on the 694-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,073 - $3,318 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $541 - $1,386 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,366 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to New Orleans, LA
How much does it cost to move from McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,568 to $8,609, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,568 and $8,609, 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 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 do local movers charge in McAllen?
Local movers based in McAllen typically start around $160 as a base rate, plus $80/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.
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 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.
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
