Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Baton Rouge
What to know before moving from Columbus to Baton Rouge
Moving from Columbus to Baton Rouge means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Columbus than in Baton Rouge, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Columbus compares to Baton Rouge so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Columbus | Baton Rouge | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,100 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $157,861 | $213,584 |
Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $60,369 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,041 | $1,638 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,834 | $3,941 |
Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 7.5% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.5% |
State income tax | 5.49% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 14% higher than in Columbus, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Baton Rouge are 35.3% higher than in Columbus. - Income in Baton Rouge is 19.4% higher than in Columbus, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Baton Rouge include Amedisys, LA State University Continuing, and CB&I Government Solutions.
- The cost of living for a single person in Baton Rouge is 19.7% lower than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Baton Rouge, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 2.8% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 41.51% higher than in Columbus.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the cityโs sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 5.56% higher than in Columbus.
- One perk of moving to Baton Rouge is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.59% lower than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,407.64 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 222,191 | 206,922 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 2 |
Walkability score | 39 | 25 |
Bike friendliness score | 44 | 31 |
Crime Index | 2.0 | 72.18 |
Safety Index | 30.74 | 27.82 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Baton Rouge's population is about 7% greater than Columbus.
- Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 2.
- Baton Rouge is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
- With a score of 44 out of 100, Baton Rouge is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Baton Rouge's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 2.0 compared to Columbus's 72.18. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
- Baton Rouge and Columbus are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in Columbus it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Baton Rouge move
- Weather: Best months to plan a move to Baton rouge are April, October and November as these are these month have more favorable weather, while July and August are the least comfortable months which can cause discomfort during a 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 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 youโre 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 Baton Rouge. 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 Baton Rouge
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Red Stick", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Baton Rouge.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- South Baton Rouge
- Airline/Jefferson
- Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
- Mid City North
Best neighborhoods for families
- Prairieville
- Zachary
- Shenandoah
- Baker/Zachary
- AddisVillage St. George
Things to do in Baton Rouge
After settling into your new Louisiana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Baton Rouge has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Baton Rouge is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the LSU Rural Life Museum, Capitol Park Museum - Louisiana State Museum, Knock Knock Children's Museum, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and Burden Museum & Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Mike the Tiger's Habitat, Baton Rouge Zoo, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, and Riverfront Plaza 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 LSU Tigers (SEC) and Southern Jaguars (SWAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Baton Rouge?
The best time to move from Columbus to Baton Rouge is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Baton Rouge?
Because most people are moving from Columbus to Baton Rouge 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 Columbus to Baton Rouge take?
The 448-mile move from Columbus, GA, to Baton Rouge, LA, takes one to four days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Baton Rouge.