Factors that influence moving costs from Fort Collins to Lafayettetoggle

The cost of Fort Collins movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Fort Collins to Lafayette might cost as little as $1,557, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $9,310.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Fort Collins, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $920 to $2,353. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Fort Collins to Lafayette

Moving from Fort Collins to Lafayette means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Fort Collins than in Lafayette, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Fort Collins compares to Lafayette so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Fort Collins Lafayette
Average rent cost $1,750 $2,825
Average home value $543,093 $214,264
Average income (per capita) $64,728 $59,490
Cost of living (single person) $2,140 $1,785
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,795 $4,208
Unemployment rate 5.6% 5.8%
Sales tax 7.55% 9.45%
State income tax 5.49% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lafayette are 61% higher than in Fort Collins, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
    Home prices in Lafayette are 60.5% lower than in Fort Collins.
  • Income in Lafayette is 8.1% lower than in Fort Collins, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lafayette include LHC Group, King-Patin, and Guyโ€™s Towing Service.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 16.6% lower than in Fort Collins. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 12.2% lower than in Fort Collins.
  • The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 3.57% higher than in Fort Collins.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lafayette, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lafayette are 25.17% higher than in Fort Collins.
  • One perk of moving to Lafayette is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.59% lower than in Fort Collins.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,502.34 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fort Collins.

How life is different in Fort Collins vs. Lafayette

Lafayette Fort Collins
Population 121,374 169,810
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 4
Walkability score 42 37
Bike friendliness score 47 78
Crime Index 45.75 17.0
Safety Index 54.25 72.86
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lafayette's population is about 29% less than Fort Collins.
  • Lafayette's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Fort Collins's higher score of 4.
  • Lafayette is more walkable than Fort Collins with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Fort Collins's 37 out of 100.
  • Lafayette has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Fort Collins, which has a score of 78 out of 100.
  • Lafayette's crime rate is higher than Fort Collins with a score of 45.75 compared to Fort Collins's 17.0. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0%.
  • Lafayette is considered to be less safe than Fort Collins with a score of 54.25 vs Fort Collins's 72.86.
  • Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in Fort Collins it's good.

Other things to consider for your Fort Collins vs. Lafayette move

  • Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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 youโ€™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 a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Louisiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Lafayette

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hub City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lafayette.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Saint Streets
  • Freetown-Port Rico
  • Downtown Lafayette
  • Scott
  • Youngsville

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Youngsville
  • Erath
  • Maurice
  • Milton
  • Scott

Things to do in Lafayette

After settling into your new Louisiana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lafayette has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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, Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, and Lafayette Art Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Louisiana Raginโ€™ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Lafayette?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fort Collins to Lafayette. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fort Collins.

When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Collins to Lafayette?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Fort Collins to Lafayette, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Fort Collins to Lafayette take?

The 1,230-mile journey from Fort Collins, CO to Lafayette, LA typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Fort Collins offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lafayette.

Helpful moving resources