Factors influencing moving costs from Lansing to Baton Rougetoggle

The cost of Lansing 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 Lansing to Baton Rouge can be as low as $1,421 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,359.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lansing, 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 $875 to $2,013. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Baton Rouge

Moving from Lansing to Baton Rouge comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Baton Rouge is generally more expensive than Lansing, 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:

Lansing Baton Rouge
Average rent cost $1,129 $1,250
Average home value $148,542 $213,584
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $60,369
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $1,638
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $3,941
Unemployment rate 7.4% 7.5%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.5%
State income tax 4.25% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 11% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Baton Rouge are 43.8% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Baton Rouge is 6.7% lower than in Lansing, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Baton Rouge, since the cost of living for a single person in Baton Rouge is 2.7% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 6.1% lower than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 1.35% higher than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 58.33% higher than in Lansing.
  • State income taxes are the same in Baton Rouge and Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,080.88 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Lansing
Population 222,191 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 39 46
Bike friendliness score 44 55
Crime Index 2.0 48.66
Safety Index 30.74 51.34
Air Quality Good Good
  • Baton Rouge's population is about 97% greater than Lansing.
  • Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Lansing's higher score of 5.
  • Baton Rouge is less walkable than Lansing with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Lansing's 46 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 Lansing, which has a score of 55 out of 100.
  • Baton Rouge's crime rate is lower than Lansing with a score of 2.0 compared to Lansing's 48.66. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
  • Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than Lansing with a score of 30.74 vs Lansing's 51.34.
  • Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in Lansing it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lansing 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
  • Airline/Jefferson
  • Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
  • Mid City North

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Baton Rouge

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

  • Arts and culture: Baton Rouge features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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€” 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 LSU Tigers (SEC) and Southern Jaguars (SWAC) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Lansing 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 Lansing.

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

Because most people are moving from Lansing 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 Lansing to Baton Rouge take?

The 1,097-mile move from Lansing, MI, to Baton Rouge, LA, takes two to eight days. Some Lansing 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