($1,172) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Lafayette, LA

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2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Lafayette

When planning a move to Lafayette from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,172 and $4,617. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,232 and $5,619 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,003 to $7,831.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Lafayette

When you’re heading from Chicago to Lafayette, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $842 and $1,970. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,394 and $3,027. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,898 to $3,861. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Lafayette

A moving rental truck from Chicago to Lafayette is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $661 to $1,252. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $660 to $1,489, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Lafayette costs around $862 to $1,655.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 38% more expensive in Lafayette than in Chicago. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 28% cheaper in Lafayette than in Chicago.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 17% less in Lafayette than in Chicago.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Lafayette. The cost of living for a single person there is 51% below that of Chicago.
• A move to Lafayette can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 55% lower compared to Chicago.
• Lafayette has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 36%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 8% cheaper in Lafayette compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 14% less in Louisiana compared to Illinois, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Lafayette’s population is about 96% less than Chicago.
• Lafayette’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Lafayette is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Lafayette has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Lafayette’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 45.75 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Lafayette is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 54.25 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and Lafayette are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Louisiana, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Louisiana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

• Youngsville
• Erath
• Maurice
• Broussard
• Milton
• Scott
• Cade

Things to do in Lafayette

With your move to Louisiana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Lafayette. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• 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, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.