($1,412) Movers From Charleston, WV to Baton Rouge, LA

What to know before moving from Charleston to Baton Rouge

Moving from Charleston to Baton Rouge comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Baton Rouge is generally more expensive than Charleston, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 43% higher than in Charleston, 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 Charleston.
  Home prices in Baton Rouge are 39.0% higher than in Charleston.
• Income in Baton Rouge is 1.7% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Baton Rouge include Amedisys, LA State University Continuing, and CB&I Government Solutions.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Baton Rouge, since the cost of living for a single person in Baton Rouge is 5.7% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Baton Rouge, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 2.0% higher than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 20.97% higher than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the city’s sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 35.71% higher than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Baton Rouge is paying less in state income taxes, which are 34.62% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,172.37 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Baton Rouge

• Baton Rouge's population is about 363% greater than Charleston.
• Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
• Baton Rouge is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 44 out of 100, Baton Rouge is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 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 Charleston with a score of 2.0 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
• Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 30.74 vs Charleston's 46.06.
• Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: 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 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.

Helpful moving resources