Factors that influence moving costs from Durham to Lafayette
What to know before moving from Durham to Lafayette
Moving from Durham 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 Durham than in Lafayette, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Durham compares to Lafayette so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Durham | Lafayette | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,699 | $2,825 |
Average home value | $391,719 | $214,264 |
Average income (per capita) | $396,291 | $59,490 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,803 | $1,785 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,945 | $4,208 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.8% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 9.45% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Lafayette are 66% higher than in Durham, which means youโll have less 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 Lafayette are 45.3% lower than in Durham. - Income in Lafayette is 85.0% lower than in Durham, so you could earn less 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 36.3% lower than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 29.2% lower than in Durham.
- The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 41.46% higher than in Durham.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lafayette, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lafayette are 26.00% higher than in Durham.
- One perk of moving to Lafayette is paying less in state income taxes, which are 5.56% lower than in Durham.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,910.45 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.
How life is different in Durham vs. Lafayette
Lafayette | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Population | 121,374 | 283,506 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 4 |
Walkability score | 42 | 30 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 38 |
Crime Index | 45.75 | 54.72 |
Safety Index | 54.25 | 45.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette's population is about 57% less than Durham.
- Lafayette's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Durham's higher score of 4.
- Lafayette is more walkable than Durham with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lafayette's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 45.75 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Lafayette is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 54.25 vs Durham's 45.28.
- Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in Durham it's good.
Other things to consider for your Durham vs. Lafayette move
- Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Louisiana, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toLafayette Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Lafayette
Now that youโve chosen "Hub City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lafayette to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
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 Durham to Lafayette?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Durham to Lafayette. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Durham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Lafayette?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Durham 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 Durham to Lafayette take?
The 962-mile journey from Durham, NC to Lafayette, LA typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Durham 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.