Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to Baton Rougetoggle

The cost of Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Baton Rouge can be as low as $1,702 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 15,298.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, 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 $1,705 to $4,527. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Baton Rouge

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

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

Tacoma Baton Rouge
Average rent cost $1,650 $1,250
Average home value $477,289 $213,584
Average income (per capita) $73,341 $60,369
Cost of living (single person) $4,133 $1,638
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,260 $3,941
Unemployment rate 7.3% 7.5%
Sales tax 10.3% 9.5%
State income tax 0.0% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 24% lower than in Tacoma, 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 55.3% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Baton Rouge is 17.7% lower than in Tacoma, so you could earn less for doing the same job. 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 60.4% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 45.7% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 2.74% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 7.77% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Baton Rouge are 4.25% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,188.97 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Tacoma
Population 222,191 223,968
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 39 54
Bike friendliness score 44 48
Crime Index 2.0 55.55
Safety Index 30.74 44.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Baton Rouge's population is about the same as Tacoma.
  • Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Tacoma's higher score of 6.
  • Baton Rouge is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • Baton Rouge has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
  • Baton Rouge's crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 2.0 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
  • Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than Tacoma with a score of 30.74 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
  • Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in Tacoma it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma 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
  • Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
  • Mid City North

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Baton Rouge

After getting comfortable in your new Louisiana home, itโ€™s time to see what Baton Rouge is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Baton Rouge include museums and art 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an LSU Tigers (SEC) and Southern Jaguars (SWAC) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Tacoma 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 Tacoma.

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

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

The 2,548-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Baton Rouge, LA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Tacoma 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