($1,373) Movers From Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA

What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Lafayette

Moving from Chesapeake to Lafayette means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chesapeake than in Lafayette, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Lafayette are 57% higher than in Chesapeake, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
  Home prices in Lafayette are 42.9% lower than in Chesapeake.
• Income in Lafayette is 6.3% lower than in Chesapeake, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lafayette include LHC Group, King-Patin, and Guy’s Towing Service.
• The cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 5.2% lower than in Chesapeake. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Lafayette, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 15.1% higher than in Chesapeake.
• The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 16.00% higher than in Chesapeake.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lafayette, since the city’s sales taxes in Lafayette are 57.50% higher than in Chesapeake.
• One perk of moving to Lafayette is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.09% lower than in Chesapeake.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,845.38 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.

How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Lafayette

• Lafayette's population is about 51% less than Chesapeake.
• Lafayette's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Chesapeake's lower score of 2.
• Lafayette is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Chesapeake's 21 out of 100.
• With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Chesapeake, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Lafayette's crime rate is higher than Chesapeake with a score of 45.75 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
• Lafayette is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 54.25 vs Chesapeake's 70.88.
• Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in Chesapeake it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chesapeake vs. Lafayette move

• Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in Louisiana, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Louisiana doesn’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.

Helpful moving resources