($1,231) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Baton Rouge

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Baton Rouge, you can expect to spend between $1,231 and $4,713. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,569 to $5,787 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Baton Rouge typically runs between $4,207 and $7,756.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Baton Rouge

When moving from Des Moines to Baton Rouge, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $769 and $2,068. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,495 to $2,796. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,878 up to $3,748. 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 Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Baton Rouge

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Baton Rouge. 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 $598 and $1,252. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $715 and $1,361. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $870 and $1,689.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Baton Rouge, note that rent can be roughly 9% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 11% higher in Baton Rouge than in Des Moines.
• The average income in Baton Rouge and Des Moines is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Baton Rouge, where the cost of living for a single person is 13% less than in Des Moines.
• Moving to Baton Rouge 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 10% less than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 27% higher compared to Des Moines, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 36% higher in Baton Rouge than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are quite comparable between Louisiana and Iowa, being within a range of about 5%. This similarity helps to maintain steady financial outflows, providing a smooth transition phase.

• Baton Rouge’s population is about 68% less than Des Moines.
• Baton Rouge’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Baton Rouge is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 44 out of 100, Baton Rouge is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Baton Rouge’s crime rate is lower than Des Moines with a score of 2.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 30.74 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Baton Rouge is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• 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 Baton Rouge 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• Highlands/Perkins
• South Baton Rouge
• Airline/Jefferson
• Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
• Mid City North

Best neighborhoods for families

• Prairieville
• Zachary
• Shenandoah
• Baker/Zachary
• AddisVillage St. George
• Brusly

Things to do in Baton Rouge

After getting comfortable in your new Louisiana home, it’s time to see what Baton Rouge 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, Baton Rouge offers cultural landmarks like the LSU Rural Life Museum, Capitol Park Museum – Louisiana State Museum, Knock Knock Children’s Museum, and Louisiana Art & Science Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Mike the Tiger’s Habitat, Baton Rouge Zoo, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, and Riverfront Plaza — 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 LSU Tigers (SEC)Southern Jaguars (SWAC) game.