Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Baton Rougetoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Baton Rouge can be as low as $1,643 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,038.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,199 to $3,000. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Baton Rouge

Moving from Portland to Baton Rouge means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Portland than in Baton Rouge, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Portland compares to Baton Rouge so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Portland Baton Rouge
Average rent cost $1,991 $1,250
Average home value $542,001 $213,584
Average income (per capita) $64,171 $60,369
Cost of living (single person) $2,491 $1,638
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,060 $3,941
Unemployment rate 5.2% 7.5%
Sales tax 5.5% 9.5%
State income tax 5.8% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 37% lower than in Portland, 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 Baton Rouge.
    Home prices in Baton Rouge are 60.6% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Baton Rouge is 5.9% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Baton Rouge include Amedisys, LA State University Continuing, and CB&I Government Solutions.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Baton Rouge is 34.2% lower than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 35.0% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 44.23% higher than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 72.73% higher than in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Baton Rouge is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.72% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,972.70 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Portland
Population 222,191 68,408
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 39 62
Bike friendliness score 44 68
Crime Index 2.0 32.16
Safety Index 30.74 67.84
Air Quality Good Good
  • Baton Rouge's population is about 225% greater than Portland.
  • Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 6.
  • Baton Rouge is less walkable than Portland with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • Baton Rouge has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
  • Baton Rouge's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 2.0 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
  • Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 30.74 vs Portland's 67.84.
  • Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Baton Rouge move

  • Weather: Best months to plan a move to Baton rouge are April, October and November as these are these month have more favorable weather, while July and August are the least comfortable months which can cause discomfort during a move.
  • 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 youโ€™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.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\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 Baton Rouge. 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 Baton Rouge

Ready to relocate to "Red Stick"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Baton Rouge.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Highlands/Perkins
  • South Baton Rouge
  • Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
  • Mid City North

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Prairieville
  • Zachary
  • Baker/Zachary
  • AddisVillage St. George
  • Brusly

Things to do in Baton Rouge

Now that you've made the move to Louisiana, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Baton Rouge. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Baton Rouge, such as the LSU Rural Life Museum, Capitol Park Museum - Louisiana State Museum, Knock Knock Children's Museum, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and Burden Museum & Gardens.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Mike the Tiger's Habitat, Baton Rouge Zoo, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, and Riverfront Plaza โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an LSU Tigers (SEC) and Southern Jaguars (SWAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Portland to Baton Rouge?

The best time to move from Portland to Baton Rouge is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Baton Rouge?

Because most people are moving from Portland to Baton Rouge in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Portland to Baton Rouge take?

The 1,682-mile move from Portland, ME, to Baton Rouge, LA, takes four to 15 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Baton Rouge.

Helpful moving resources