Factors that influence moving costs from Lafayette to Mesa
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Mesa
Moving from Lafayette to Mesa comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Mesa is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโs 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 | Mesa | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,825 | $1,786 |
Average home value | $214,264 | $432,892 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $64,524 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,785 | $2,416 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,208 | $5,566 |
Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 6.1% |
Sales tax | 9.45% | 8.3% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Mesa are 37% lower than in Lafayette, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
Home prices in Mesa are 102.0% higher than in Lafayette. - Income in Mesa is 8.5% higher than in Lafayette, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Mesa, since the cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 35.4% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Mesa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 32.3% higher than in Lafayette.
- The unemployment rate in Mesa is 5.17% higher than in Lafayette.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mesa are 12.17% lower than in Lafayette.
- One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.18% lower than in Lafayette.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,060.50 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Mesa
Mesa | Lafayette | |
---|---|---|
Population | 504,258 | 121,374 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 3 |
Walkability score | 38 | 42 |
Bike friendliness score | 60 | 47 |
Crime Index | 44.67 | 45.75 |
Safety Index | 55.33 | 54.25 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mesa's population is about 315% greater than Lafayette.
- Mesa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Lafayette's lower score of 3.
- Mesa is less walkable than Lafayette with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Mesa and Lafayette have a similar crime rate.
- Mesa and Lafayette are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Lafayette it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette vs. Mesa move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Mesa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Mesa
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Mesa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast
- West Central
Best neighborhoods for families
- Red Mountain Ranch
- Superstition Springs
- Eastmark
- Dobson Ranch
- Alta Mesa
Things to do in Mesa
Once youโre settled into your new home in Arizona, itโs time to get out and discover what Mesa has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Mesa features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lafayette to Mesa?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lafayette to Mesa. Youโll 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 Mesa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lafayette to Mesa, 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 Mesa take?
The 1,391-mile journey from Lafayette, LA to Mesa, AZ typically takes three to eight 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 Mesa.