Factors that influence moving costs from Knoxville to Lafayettetoggle

The cost of Knoxville movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Knoxville to Lafayette might cost as little as $1,389, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,467.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Knoxville, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $629 to $1,573. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Knoxville to Lafayette

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

Check out how Knoxville compares to Lafayette so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Knoxville Lafayette
Average rent cost $1,795 $2,825
Average home value $350,035 $214,264
Average income (per capita) $61,050 $59,490
Cost of living (single person) $2,184 $1,785
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,200 $4,208
Unemployment rate 4.7% 5.8%
Sales tax 9.25% 9.45%
State income tax 0.0% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lafayette are 57% higher than in Knoxville, 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 Lafayette.
    Home prices in Lafayette are 38.8% lower than in Knoxville.
  • Income in Lafayette is 2.6% lower than in Knoxville, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lafayette include LHC Group, King-Patin, and Guyโ€™s Towing Service.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 18.3% lower than in Knoxville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 19.1% lower than in Knoxville.
  • The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 23.40% higher than in Knoxville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lafayette, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lafayette are 2.16% higher than in Knoxville.
  • State income taxes in Lafayette are 4.25% higher than in Knoxville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,451.92 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Knoxville.

How life is different in Knoxville vs. Lafayette

Lafayette Knoxville
Population 121,374 190,740
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 4
Walkability score 42 31
Bike friendliness score 47 30
Crime Index 45.75 42.54
Safety Index 54.25 57.46
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lafayette's population is about 36% less than Knoxville.
  • Lafayette's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Knoxville's higher score of 4.
  • Lafayette is more walkable than Knoxville with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Knoxville's 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Lafayette and Knoxville have a similar crime rate.
  • Lafayette and Knoxville are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in Knoxville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Knoxville vs. Lafayette move

  • Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
  • 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette

With your sights set on "Hub City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lafayette.

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

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

  • Arts and culture: Lafayette features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 cityโ€™s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center 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 Louisiana Raginโ€™ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Lafayette?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Knoxville to Lafayette. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Knoxville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Lafayette?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Lafayette take?

The 710-mile journey from Knoxville, TN to Lafayette, LA typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Knoxville 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.

Helpful moving resources