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

How we chose the best LA→PA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 32 Louisiana movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Philadelphia

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Philadelphia runs about 42% higher for singles and 47% higher for families than Lafayette.

Singles spend around $2,541 in Philadelphia versus $1,785 in Lafayette; families pay $6,190 compared with $4,208.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Lafayette	Philadelphia
Average 1 BR rent	$1,200	$1,791
Average 3 BR rent	$1,725	$3,116
Average home value	$214,264	$216,914
Average income (per capita)	$59,490	$70,746
Cost of living (single)	$1,785	$2,541
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,208	$6,190
Unemployment rate	5.8%	10.6%
Sales tax	9.45%	8.0%
State income tax	4.25%	3.07%

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

When relocating from Lafayette to Philadelphia, expect to find rent about 40% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Philadelphia and Lafayette, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 19% higher in Philadelphia compared to Lafayette, which might allow for more savings or investments.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Philadelphia, as living costs for a single person are 42% higher than in Lafayette. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you're moving your family to Philadelphia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 47% higher than in Lafayette.
Philadelphia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Lafayette by around 83%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
Sales taxes are 15% less in Philadelphia relative to Lafayette. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 28% below those in Louisiana. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Lafayette and Philadelphia:

Living Expense	Lafayette	Philadelphia
Basic utilities	$244.46	$269.29
Cell phone plan	$52.00	$61.40
Dozen eggs	$4.35	$4.30
Loaf of bread	$2.99	$4.15
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$17.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$76.11	$90.00
Gym membership	$61.33	$48.67

Basic utilities cost less in Lafayette than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lafayette than in Philadelphia.
Eggs cost more in Lafayette than in Philadelphia.
Bread costs less in Lafayette than in Philadelphia.
A quick meal is cheaper in Lafayette than in Philadelphia.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lafayette than in Philadelphia.
Gym memberships cost more in Lafayette than in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Philadelphia

	Lafayette	Philadelphia
Population	121,374	1,603,797
Transportation score	3	9
Walkability score	42	75
Bike friendliness score	47	67
Crime index	45.75	66.09
Safety index	54.25	33.91
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Philadelphia's population is about 1221% greater than Lafayette.
Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Lafayette's score of 3.
Philadelphia is more walkable than Lafayette with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Lafayette with a score of 66.09 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Lafayette with a score of 33.91 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Lafayette it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette to Philadelphia move

HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Philadelphia. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Philadelphia

Planning your move to Philly? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Philadelphia.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Cedar Park
Fishtown
Manayunk
Point Breeze
Washington Square West

Best neighborhoods for families

Bella Vista
Bustleton
Chestnut Hill
Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
Foxchase
Roxborough

Things to do in Philadelphia

After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

Planning your move from Lafayette to Philadelphia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Lafayette.

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

Because most people are moving from Lafayette to Philadelphia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Lafayette to Philadelphia take?

The 1,334-mile journey from Lafayette, LA to Philadelphia, PA, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Lafayette offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Philadelphia.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Lafayette?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Lafayette, 2 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Louisiana has 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.