($1,484) Movers From Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Baton Rouge

Moving from Des Moines to Baton Rouge means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Des Moines than in Baton Rouge, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Des Moines compares to Baton Rouge so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 9% higher than in Des Moines, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
  Home prices in Baton Rouge are 11.0% higher than in Des Moines.
• Income in Baton Rouge is 3.2% higher than in Des Moines, 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 13.4% lower than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 10.0% lower than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 27.12% higher than in Des Moines.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the city’s sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 35.71% higher than in Des Moines.
• One perk of moving to Baton Rouge is paying less in state income taxes, which are 3.41% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,598.63 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Baton Rouge

• Baton Rouge's population is about 68% less than Des Moines.
• Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher 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 they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Baton Rouge and Des Moines have a similar crime rate.
• 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.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 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 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.

Helpful moving resources