Factors that influence moving costs from Lafayette to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Lafayette movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Lafayette to Huntsville might cost as little as $1,363, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,348.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Lafayette, 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 $512 to $1,228. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Huntsville

Moving from Lafayette to Huntsville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Huntsville is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Lafayette Huntsville
Average rent cost $2,825 $1,409
Average home value $214,264 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $59,490 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $1,785 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,208 $4,140
Unemployment rate 5.8% 3.1%
Sales tax 9.45% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 50% lower than in Lafayette, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Huntsville are 24.5% higher than in Lafayette.
  • Income in Huntsville is 2.5% higher than in Lafayette, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Huntsville, since the cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 75.5% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 1.6% lower than in Lafayette.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 46.55% lower than in Lafayette.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Huntsville are 4.76% lower than in Lafayette.
  • State income taxes in Huntsville are 17.65% higher than in Lafayette.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,265.55 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Lafayette
Population 241,114 121,374
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 3
Walkability score 24 42
Bike friendliness score 40 47
Crime Index 42.55 45.75
Safety Index 57.45 54.25
Air Quality Good Good
  • Huntsville's population is about 99% greater than Lafayette.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Lafayette's higher score of 3.
  • Huntsville is less walkable than Lafayette with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
  • Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
  • Huntsville and Lafayette have a similar crime rate.
  • Huntsville and Lafayette are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Lafayette it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette vs. Huntsville move

  • Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Alabama moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Alabama doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Huntsville. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Huntsville

Ready to relocate to "Rocket City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Huntsville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Five Points
  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hampton Cove
  • Whitesburg
  • Research Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blossomwood
  • Hampton Cove
  • Jones Valley
  • Madison
  • South Huntsville

Things to do in Huntsville

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Alabama, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Huntsville has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Huntsville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lafayette to Huntsville?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Huntsville?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lafayette to Huntsville, 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 Lafayette to Huntsville take?

The 552-mile journey from Lafayette, LA to Huntsville, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Lafayette offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.

Helpful moving resources