Factors that influence moving costs from Baltimore to Lafayette
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Lafayette
Moving from Baltimore to Lafayette means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Baltimore than in Lafayette, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Baltimore compares to Lafayette so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Baltimore | Lafayette | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $2,825 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $214,264 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $59,490 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $1,785 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $4,208 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.8% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.45% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Lafayette are 77% higher than in Baltimore, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Lafayette are 18.5% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Lafayette is 2.0% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lafayette include LHC Group, King-Patin, and Guyโs Towing Service.
- The cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 19.7% lower than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 17.3% lower than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 26.58% lower than in Baltimore.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lafayette, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lafayette are 57.50% higher than in Baltimore.
- One perk of moving to Lafayette is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.09% lower than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,408.91 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Lafayette
Lafayette | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 121,374 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 8 |
Walkability score | 42 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 53 |
Crime Index | 45.75 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 54.25 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette's population is about 79% less than Baltimore.
- Lafayette's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
- Lafayette is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- Lafayette has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100.
- Lafayette's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 45.75 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Lafayette is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 54.25 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore vs. Lafayette move
- Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
- 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: If youโre 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Louisiana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Louisiana 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 Lafayette. 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 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lafayette
Ready to relocate to "Hub City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Lafayette.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
After settling into your new Louisiana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lafayette has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- 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, Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, and Lafayette Art Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Louisiana Raginโ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Lafayette?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Baltimore to Lafayette. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Lafayette?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Baltimore to Lafayette, 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 Baltimore to Lafayette take?
The 1,233-mile journey from Baltimore, MD to Lafayette, LA typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Baltimore offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lafayette.