For a move from Illinois to Louisiana, budget between $2,227–$5,450 for full-service movers, around
$1,966 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$970
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Louisiana?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,115 – $4,181 | $751 – $1,787 | $550 – $1,038 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,227 – $5,450 | $1,349 – $2,583 | $631 – $1,310 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,605 – $7,485 | $1,831 – $3,450 | $729 – $1,544 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,115 – $4,181
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,227 – $5,450
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,605 – $7,485
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Louisiana?
- Small move: $751 – $1,787
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,349 – $2,583
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,831 – $3,450
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $550 – $1,038
- 2–3 bedrooms: $631 – $1,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $729 – $1,544
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 852-mile move from IL to LA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to LA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Louisiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $996 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $201,519 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $57,852 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Louisiana?
Rent is about 16% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $996
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 19% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $201,519
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 26% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $57,852
Is the overall cost of living higher in Louisiana?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Louisiana.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 21% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 7.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 14% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Louisiana compared to Illinois?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Louisiana | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,573,749 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 60.2-38.2 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 60″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 33.77 | 19.7 |
Will Louisiana feel more crowded than Illinois?
Louisiana is about 64% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Louisiana voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Louisiana is hotter on average (92°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Louisiana is milder on average (39°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Louisiana?
Rain: Louisiana gets more rain (60″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Louisiana gets no snow, while Illinois gets about 22 inches per year.
Is Louisiana safer than Illinois?
Louisiana has a higher crime index than Illinois (33.77 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Louisiana?
Museums in Louisiana
- The National WWII Museum
- USS Kidd
- Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
- R. W. Norton Art Gallery
- Shreveport Water Works Museum
Parks in Louisiana
- Millennium Park
- Prien Lake Park
- Sam Houston Jones State Park
- Camp Salmen Nature Park
- Lafreniere Park
Sports teams in Louisiana
- New Orleans Saints (NFL)
- New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
- New Orleans Gold (MLR)
- Ragin’ Cajuns (NCAA)
- Tigers and Lady Tigers (NCAA)
Universities in Louisiana
- Louisiana State University
- Tulane University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of New Orleans
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Louisiana move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Louisiana moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Louisiana, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Louisiana right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Louisiana?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Louisiana?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Louisiana moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Louisiana?
You don’t need a moving permit in Louisiana, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
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