($425+) San Antonio, TX to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from San Antonio, TX, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $429 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,673 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 542 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 $1,319, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,673 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,005 - $3,370, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $429 - $1,175.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from San Antonio, TX, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,148 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 San Antonio, TX to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from San Antonio 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 $2,148 - $5,797 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 542-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 542-mile route from San Antonio to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,319 for a studio up to $8,673 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,005 - $3,370 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $429 - $1,175, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $868 - $2,464, 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 San Antonio, TX to New Orleans, LA
Hiring full-service movers from San Antonio, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,319 and $8,673. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 542-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $286 - $1,908, 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 San Antonio and New Orleans. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Antonio tend to start around $192 plus $96/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 San Antonio to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,319 - $4,203
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,148 - $5,797
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,923 - $8,673
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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of San Antonio 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 | $477 - $4,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $191 - $1,145/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,290 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage26% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $954 - $2,862 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,385 - $9,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $715 - $1,358 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Swift Movers LLC | $954 - $2,385 |
| Piano | Any piano type65% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $763 - $3,339 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling45% of local movers | $286 - $1,431 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect26% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Swift Movers LLC | $620 - $1,908 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,339+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Antonio 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Antonio, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Antonio, TX to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from San Antonio, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,005 and $3,370. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in San Antonio runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Antonio to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,005 - $1,858
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,339 - $2,517
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,801 - $3,370
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $143 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 $668 in San Antonio, 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 $1,005. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,339 - $2,517, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Swift Movers LLC (4.8/5), 15 years in business
- AB Moving (4.6/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Antonio, TX to New Orleans, LA
Plan on $429 - $1,175 for a rental moving truck on the 542-mile route from San Antonio, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $165 - $188
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- San Antonio daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.19
| 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 San Antonio to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $429 - $822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $473 - $1,004
- 4+ bedrooms: $631 - $1,175
Pro tip: The base rate of $429 - $1,175 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Antonio to New Orleans. Fuel ($165 - $188) , lodging at around $143/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in San Antonio, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $668.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $165 - $188 for the 542-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 $57 and $310, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night for hotel stops on the 542-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $286 - $429.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX to New Orleans, LA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Antonio, Texas, to New Orleans, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $989 and $2,014.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Antonio to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,560
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $989 - $2,014
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,464
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Antonio, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $668.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $72 - $143 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from San Antonio 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.
- Parkway Transport, Inc. (4.76/5 stars): Parkway Transport, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: San Antonio, TX vs New Orleans, LA
Day-to-day costs in New Orleans are close to what you're used to in San Antonio: cost of living index of 102 versus 91, with average rent of $1,755/mo compared to $1,496/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 37/100 and 51.94/100 in San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Louisiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 289 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 542-mile route.
Our take
A move from San Antonio, TX, to New Orleans, LA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,319 - $8,673 on the 542-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,005 - $3,370, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $429 - $1,175. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,148 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from San Antonio, TX, to New Orleans, LA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($165 - $188), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $143/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 San Antonio, TX 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.
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 51.94 and 48.06 in San Antonio. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of San Antonio movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 65% of movers in San Antonio handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
