($1,097) Cost to Move From Charleston, SC to Lafayette, LA

1. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
3. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
4. Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Lafayette

When planning a move to Lafayette from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,097 and $4,075. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,258 and $5,254 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,693 to $6,997.

Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Lafayette

When you’re heading from Charleston to Lafayette, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $746 and $1,944. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,396 and $2,675. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,820 to $3,607. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Lafayette

A moving rental truck from Charleston to Lafayette is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $581 to $1,053. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $627 to $1,316, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Lafayette costs around $778 to $1,614.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 13% more expensive in Lafayette than in Charleston. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 62% cheaper in Lafayette than in Charleston.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Lafayette and Charleston are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Lafayette. The cost of living for a single person there is 66% below that of Charleston.
• A move to Lafayette can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 47% lower compared to Charleston.
• Lafayette has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 45%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Lafayette and Charleston (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are 39% less in Louisiana compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Lafayette’s population is about 19% less than Charleston.
• Lafayette’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Charleston, making them very similar.
• Lafayette and Charleston are similarly walkable.
• Lafayette has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
• Lafayette and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 45.75 and 44.97, respectively.
• Lafayette and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 54.25 and 55.03.
• Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Lafayette are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Louisiana, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Louisiana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Lafayette. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Louisiana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Lafayette. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Lafayette is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.