Top-rated local movers that handle Jacksonville to Lafayette moves
When planning a move from Jacksonville to Lafayette, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Jacksonville who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Jacksonville to Lafayette.
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Royal Moving and Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Helping Hands Express Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 469
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 1040023
Alternate Names: Baymeadows Movers , Mandarin Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 426
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1472849
Alternate Names: A & R Moving, Inc. , Apple Moving& Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1355
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1194537
Alternate Names: Academy Moving & Storage Inc. , Arpin of Jacksonville
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 3243
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3392506
Alternate Names: Helping Hands Express Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Jacksonville to Lafayette?
Movers in Florida charge $172 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,046 – $3,034 | $713 – $1,723 | $488 – $949 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,985 – $4,567 | $1,323 – $2,407 | $547 – $1,030 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,287 – $7,162 | $1,683 – $3,380 | $625 – $1,246 |
Cost to hire movers from Jacksonville to Lafayette
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Jacksonville to Lafayette, you can expect to spend between $1,046 and $3,034. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,985 to $4,567 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Jacksonville to Lafayette typically runs between $3,287 and $7,162.
Cost of moving containers from Jacksonville to Lafayette
When moving from Jacksonville to Lafayette, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $713 and $1,723. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,323 to $2,407. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,683 up to $3,380. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Jacksonville to Lafayette
Renting a moving truck in Jacksonville is usually your cheapest option to get to Lafayette. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $488 and $949. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $547 and $1,030. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $625 and $1,246.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Jacksonville to Lafayette
The cost of Jacksonville movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,519, but larger homes can run up to $5,605.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Jacksonville.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($488–$1,132) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Jacksonville to Lafayette
Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Jacksonville – roughly 34% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $2,696 in Jacksonville. For a family of four, it’s $4,208 compared with $6,605.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Jacksonville | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,596 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,680 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $287,628 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,138 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,696 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,605 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.25% |
- As you consider relocating to Lafayette, note that rent can be roughly 86% more expensive than it is in Jacksonville; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 26% lower in Lafayette than in Jacksonville.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 7% less in Lafayette than in Jacksonville.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Lafayette, where the cost of living for a single person is 34% less than in Jacksonville.
- Moving to Lafayette could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 36% less than in Jacksonville.
- The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 18% higher compared to Jacksonville, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 26% higher in Lafayette than in Jacksonville. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Louisiana has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Jacksonville with Lafayette:
| Living Expense | Jacksonville | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $188.34 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $42.92 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $86.50 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $38.68 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Jacksonville than in Lafayette, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jacksonville than in Lafayette.
- Eggs cost more in Jacksonville than in Lafayette.
- Bread is more expensive in Jacksonville than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Jacksonville than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Jacksonville than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Jacksonville than in Lafayette.
How life is different in Jacksonville vs. Lafayette
| Jacksonville | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,319 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 47 |
| Crime index | 56.38 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 43.62 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette’s population is about 88% less than Jacksonville.
- Lafayette’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Jacksonville’s score of 4.
- Lafayette is more walkable than Jacksonville with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Jacksonville’s 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Jacksonville, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lafayette’s crime rate is lower than Jacksonville with a score of 45.75 compared to Jacksonville’s 56.38. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38%.
- Lafayette is considered to be safer than Jacksonville with a safety index of 54.25 vs Jacksonville’s 43.62.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Jacksonville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Jacksonville to Lafayette move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Louisiana doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Lafayette smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lafayette
Now that you’ve chosen The Hub City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lafayette to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
After getting comfortable in your new Louisiana home, it’s time to see what Lafayette is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Lafayette offers cultural landmarks like the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Jacksonville to Lafayette?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Jacksonville to Lafayette are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Jacksonville are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jacksonville to Lafayette?
Because spring and fall moves from Jacksonville to Lafayette are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Jacksonville to Lafayette take?
A move of 657 miles from Jacksonville, FL to Lafayette, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Jacksonville sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lafayette is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Jacksonville?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 3 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Jacksonville offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in Jacksonville have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across FL, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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