Moving Cost Planner

Moving from Louisiana: What You Need to Know

Louisiana has a low cost of living and is currently seeing high outbound migration. Louisiana offers some of the most affordable housing in the country with a median home price around $257,000 and property taxes averaging just 0.77%. The state is culturally rich beyond measure -- New

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Louisiana skyline and cityscape
Photo: Curtis Vann, Jr. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Moving Costs from Louisiana

Avg Long-Distance Move

$3,700

With professional movers

DIY Truck Rental Est.

$1,665

Approx. 40-60% less than movers

Mover Hourly Rate

$40/hr

Per mover, local moves

Truck Rental Rate

$95/day

Local daily rate

Averages based on a 2-bedroom home. Long-distance assumes 500+ miles. Get multiple quotes for your specific move.

Why People Leave Louisiana

  • -High combined sales tax rate when local taxes are included
  • -Significant hurricane and flooding risk
  • -Higher than average crime rates in some urban areas
  • -Hot, oppressive humidity for much of the year

What You'll Miss About Louisiana

  • +Very affordable housing with median price around $257,000
  • +Low property tax rates
  • +Rich cultural heritage with unmatched food and music
  • +No state income tax on the first ~$12,500 of income (due to standard deduction)

Louisiana Tax Overview

Understanding your current tax burden helps you compare how much you'll save - or spend - in a new state.

Tax TypeLouisiana Rate
State Income Tax3.0% flat
Effective Property Tax0.77%
State Sales Tax5% + local up to 7%

Where Do People Move After Leaving Louisiana?

The most popular destinations for people relocating from Louisiana include states with lower taxes, more affordable housing, and strong job markets.

Moving from Louisiana: Checklist

18 weeks out: Research destination cities and neighborhoods
26 weeks out: Get 3+ moving quotes, book your mover or truck
34 weeks out: Declutter and donate - less stuff means lower costs
43 weeks out: Notify employer, schools, doctors of move date
52 weeks out: Transfer utilities, update address with USPS, bank, and subscriptions
61 week out: Confirm moving company, pack non-essentials
7Moving day: Do a final walkthrough, document your home condition
8After move: Register vehicle, update driver's license, update voter registration

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move out of Louisiana?

A long-distance move from Louisiana averages $3,700 with professional movers. DIY truck rental is typically 40 to 60% less. Local moves within Louisiana average $830. Get at least 3 quotes to compare prices.

Where do most people move when leaving Louisiana?

The most popular destinations for people leaving Louisiana are Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arizona. These states offer lower taxes, more affordable housing, and strong job markets. Your best destination depends on your career, lifestyle, and budget priorities.

What are the biggest reasons people leave Louisiana?

The most common reasons people leave Louisiana include: High combined sales tax rate when local taxes are included, Significant hurricane and flooding risk, Higher than average crime rates in some urban areas. High housing costs and taxes are often cited as primary drivers of outbound migration.

Should I sell or rent my home before moving from Louisiana?

Whether to sell or rent depends on your financial situation and the Louisiana housing market. Selling gives you capital for your new home. Renting keeps an asset and generates income, but adds landlord responsibilities across state lines. Consult a real estate agent familiar with Louisiana before deciding.

What should I do 60 days before moving from Louisiana?

Start by getting 3 moving quotes and booking your mover or truck. Begin decluttering - donate or sell items you won't move. Research housing in your destination, update your employer about your move date, and start the school transfer process if you have children. Notify your bank, insurance providers, and subscriptions of your upcoming address change.

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