Moving to Louisiana: costs, checklist and what to know
Louisiana at a glance for movers: South region · largest city New Orleans · capital Baton Rouge · Central time.
Quick facts for moving to Louisiana
- Income tax: Louisiana taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Louisiana Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Louisiana's statewide sales tax rate is 5%. Parish and city taxes add more; Louisiana combined rates are among the highest in the U.S.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Louisiana driver's license within 30 days, according to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to New Orleans (about 510 road miles) runs roughly $920–$1,780 with a rental truck or $2,220–$5,140 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Louisiana
- Louisiana is divided into parishes rather than counties, and parish and city sales taxes on top of the state rate make combined rates among the highest in the country.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Check flood zones and flood insurance before you sign a lease or buy, since standard policies exclude flood damage.
- Licenses and vehicle registration are handled by the Office of Motor Vehicles.
Main cities and metros include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette. Louisiana borders Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi.
How much does it cost to move to Louisiana?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to New Orleans, the largest city in Louisiana. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1,400 | $2,130–$4,060 | $3,640–$8,340 |
| Los Angeles | 2,000 | $2,900–$5,500 | $4,600–$10,500 |
| Chicago | 1,000 | $1,570–$3,010 | $3,000–$6,900 |
| Dallas | 530 | $940–$1,820 | $2,250–$5,210 |
| Atlanta | 510 | $920–$1,780 | $2,220–$5,140 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Louisiana moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Louisiana
Late fall through spring (November–April). Summer heat and humidity are intense, and late summer is peak hurricane season.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Louisiana new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Louisiana: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Louisiana?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 510 miles from Atlanta to New Orleans costs roughly $920–$1,780 if you rent a truck or $2,220–$5,140 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Louisiana have a state income tax?
Yes. Louisiana taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Louisiana Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Louisiana?
Louisiana's statewide sales tax rate is 5%. Parish and city taxes add more; Louisiana combined rates are among the highest in the U.S.
How long do I have to get a Louisiana driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Louisiana?
Late fall through spring (November–April). Summer heat and humidity are intense, and late summer is peak hurricane season.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.