Factors influencing moving costs from Chattanooga to Baton Rougetoggle

The cost of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Baton Rouge can be as low as $1,501 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,844.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chattanooga, 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 $493 to $1,191. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Baton Rouge

Moving from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga than in Baton Rouge, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Chattanooga Baton Rouge
Average rent cost $1,475 $1,250
Average home value $302,565 $213,584
Average income (per capita) $60,164 $60,369
Cost of living (single person) $3,300 $1,638
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,350 $3,941
Unemployment rate 5.6% 7.5%
Sales tax 9.25% 9.5%
State income tax 0.0% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 15% lower than in Chattanooga, 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 29.4% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Income is the same in Baton Rouge and Chattanooga. 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 50.4% lower than in Chattanooga. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 9.4% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 33.93% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 2.70% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • State income taxes in Baton Rouge are 4.25% higher than in Chattanooga.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,489.09 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.

How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Chattanooga
Population 222,191 181,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 3
Walkability score 39 29
Bike friendliness score 44 35
Crime Index 2.0 53.89
Safety Index 30.74 46.11
Air Quality Good Good
  • Baton Rouge's population is about 23% greater than Chattanooga.
  • Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's lower score of 3.
  • Baton Rouge is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
  • With a score of 44 out of 100, Baton Rouge is more bike-friendly than Chattanooga, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Baton Rouge's crime rate is lower than Chattanooga with a score of 2.0 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
  • Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than Chattanooga with a score of 30.74 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
  • Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chattanooga 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Louisiana, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Louisiana doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Baton Rouge without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Baton Rouge

With your sights set on "Red Stick", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Baton Rouge.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Highlands/Perkins
  • South Baton Rouge
  • Airline/Jefferson
  • Mid City North

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Baton Rouge

After settling into your new Louisiana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Baton Rouge has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Baton Rouge is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 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 LSU Tigers (SEC) and Southern Jaguars (SWAC) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.

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

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

The 547-mile move from Chattanooga, TN, to Baton Rouge, LA, takes one to six days. Some Chattanooga 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