Lafayette, LA to Pittsburgh, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best LA→PA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 32 Louisiana moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Pittsburgh

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Pittsburgh runs about 19% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Lafayette.

Singles spend around $2,129 in Pittsburgh versus $1,785 in Lafayette; families pay $5,011 compared with $4,208.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Lafayette	Pittsburgh
Average 1 BR rent	$1,200	$1,710
Average 3 BR rent	$1,725	$2,917
Average home value	$214,264	$222,451
Average income (per capita)	$59,490	$54,306
Cost of living (single)	$1,785	$2,129
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,208	$5,011
Unemployment rate	5.8%	7.1%
Sales tax	9.45%	7.0%
State income tax	4.25%	3.07%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 47% less expensive in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
With home prices differing by less than 5% between Pittsburgh and Lafayette, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there's a change in your housing needs.
You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 9% less in Pittsburgh than in Lafayette.
Prepare for elevated costs in Pittsburgh, with the cost of living for a single person being 19% more than in Lafayette. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
When considering a family move to Pittsburgh, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 19% higher than in Lafayette.
Pittsburgh has a higher unemployment rate than Lafayette by about 22%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Sales taxes are 26% cheaper in Pittsburgh compared to Lafayette. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
Income taxes are 28% less in Pennsylvania compared to Louisiana, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Lafayette versus Pittsburgh:

Living Expense	Lafayette	Pittsburgh
Basic utilities	$244.46	$263.34
Cell phone plan	$52.00	$53.44
Dozen eggs	$4.35	$4.62
Loaf of bread	$2.99	$4.03
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$17.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$76.11	$60.00
Gym membership	$61.33	$43.33

Basic utilities cost less in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh.
Eggs are less expensive in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh.
Bread costs less in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh.
A quick meal is cheaper in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh.
Gym memberships cost more in Lafayette than in Pittsburgh.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Pittsburgh

	Lafayette	Pittsburgh
Population	121,374	303,255
Transportation score	3	8
Walkability score	42	62
Bike friendliness score	47	55
Crime index	45.75	37.74
Safety index	54.25	62.26
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Pittsburgh's population is about 150% greater than Lafayette.
Pittsburgh's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Lafayette's score of 3.
Pittsburgh is more walkable than Lafayette with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh is more bike-friendly than Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Pittsburgh's crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 37.74 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Lafayette with a safety index of 62.26 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Lafayette it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette to Pittsburgh move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, 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 Pittsburgh. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Pittsburgh

With your sights set on Birmingham of America, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Pittsburgh.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Downtown
Greenfield
Oakland
Polish Hill
Shadyside

Best neighborhoods for families

Brookline
Highland Park
Point Breeze
Regent Square
Squirrel Hill North

Things to do in Pittsburgh

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

Arts and culture: Pittsburgh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook Park — 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 Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lafayette to Pittsburgh. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lafayette.

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

Want to save on your move from Lafayette to Pittsburgh? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Lafayette to Pittsburgh take?

The 1,201-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Pittsburgh, PA, takes two to eight days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Pittsburgh.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Lafayette?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 2 movers in Lafayette provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.