Arlington, VA to Lafayette, LA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Lafayette typically costs $3,000–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,192 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Lafayette
Moving from Arlington, VA to Lafayette, LA typically costs $3,000–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,192-mile move from Arlington to Lafayette, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,740 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,953 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,106 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 28, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 25, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Arlington to Lafayette move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,800 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Arlington.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $800 to $2,500, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Lafayette, LA to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Lafayette movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Arlington to Lafayette
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Arlington to Lafayette much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best VA→LA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 103 Virginia movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Lafayette
Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 74% less for singles and 65% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $4,208 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.25% |
- Moving to Lafayette from Arlington won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 74% more affordable in Lafayette compared to Arlington.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 54% lower in Lafayette compared to Arlington.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Lafayette, as the cost of living for a single person is 74% lower compared to Arlington.
- A move to Lafayette can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 65% less than what it costs in Arlington.
- Lafayette shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Arlington by around 45%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Lafayette are 57% more than in Arlington, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Louisiana are 26% below those in Virginia. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Arlington and Lafayette:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Arlington than in Lafayette, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Arlington than in Lafayette.
- Eggs are less expensive in Arlington than in Lafayette.
- Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Arlington than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Lafayette.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Lafayette
| Arlington | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 47 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette's population is about 49% less than Arlington.
- Lafayette's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
- Lafayette is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
- Lafayette has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Lafayette's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 45.75 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Lafayette is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 54.25 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington to Lafayette move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: If you’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: Louisiana’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Louisiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lafayette. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lafayette
Planning your move to The Hub City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Lafayette.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
After settling into your new Louisiana home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lafayette has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Arlington to Lafayette?
Planning your move from Arlington to Lafayette? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Lafayette?
Because most people are moving from Arlington to Lafayette 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 Arlington to Lafayette take?
The 1,192-mile journey from Arlington, VA to Lafayette, LA, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Arlington 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.
Are there special savings available from movers in Arlington?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 14 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Arlington?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Arlington, 57 movers can manage piano relocations. 44 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
