Pittsburgh, PA to Lafayette, LA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best PA→LA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 107 Pennsylvania moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Lafayette

Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Pittsburgh - roughly 16% less for singles and 16% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $2,129 in Pittsburgh. For a family of four, it's $4,208 compared with $5,011.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Pittsburgh	Lafayette
Average 1 BR rent	$1,710	$1,200
Average 3 BR rent	$2,917	$1,725
Average home value	$222,451	$214,264
Average income (per capita)	$54,306	$59,490
Cost of living (single)	$2,129	$1,785
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,011	$4,208
Unemployment rate	7.1%	5.8%
Sales tax	7.0%	9.45%
State income tax	3.07%	4.25%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 88% more expensive in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
With home prices differing by less than 5% between Lafayette and Pittsburgh, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there's a change in your housing needs.
Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 10% greater in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
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 16% below that of Pittsburgh.
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 16% lower compared to Pittsburgh.
Lafayette has a lower unemployment rate than Pittsburgh by about 18%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
Sales taxes in Lafayette surpass those in Pittsburgh by 35%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
Income taxes are 38% more in Louisiana than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Pittsburgh versus Lafayette:

Living Expense	Pittsburgh	Lafayette
Basic utilities	$263.34	$244.46
Cell phone plan	$53.44	$52.00
Dozen eggs	$4.62	$4.35
Loaf of bread	$4.03	$2.99
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$17.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$60.00	$76.11
Gym membership	$43.33	$61.33

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.
Eggs cost more in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.
Bread is more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.

How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Lafayette

	Pittsburgh	Lafayette
Population	303,255	121,374
Transportation score	8	3
Walkability score	62	42
Bike friendliness score	55	47
Crime index	37.74	45.75
Safety index	62.26	54.25
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Lafayette's population is about 60% less than Pittsburgh.
Lafayette's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Pittsburgh's score of 8.
Lafayette is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh's 62 out of 100.
Lafayette has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55.
Lafayette's crime rate is higher than Pittsburgh with a score of 45.75 compared to Pittsburgh's 37.74. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
Lafayette is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 54.25 vs Pittsburgh's 62.26.
Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Pittsburgh it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh to Lafayette move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
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.

Where to live in Lafayette

With your sights set on The Hub City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lafayette.

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.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Lafayette?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Pittsburgh to Lafayette. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Pittsburgh.

When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Lafayette?

Want to save on your move from Pittsburgh to Lafayette? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Lafayette take?

The 1,203-mile move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Lafayette, LA, takes two to eight days. Some Pittsburgh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lafayette.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Pittsburgh?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 8 movers in Pittsburgh provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.