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Alabama to Louisiana Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 389 mile interstate move from Alabama to Louisiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Louisiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs rich cultural festivals), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Gumbo), real estate & housing (antebellum, cottage vs creole, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Louisiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Pulled Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Gumbo & Crawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e
  • Louisiana housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in Alabama
  • Rent in Louisiana is 10.72% more affordable than in Alabama
  • Moving from Alabama to Louisiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Alabama to Louisiana movers is MoveDaddy

Alabama to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Louisiana

ConsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Limited job market
  • Few public transport options
  • Frequent tornadoes
ProsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • Rich cultural festivals
  • Growing tech scene
  • Robust transit systems
  • Less severe weather

Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busy urban life
  • Densely populated areas
  • Transient population
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Lower cost of living
  • Southern charm
  • Peaceful countryside
  • Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Alabama to Louisiana

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to rich cultural festivals
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Louisiana with a growing tech scene
  • Swap the few public transport options of Alabama for robust transit systems in Louisiana
  • Get ready for less severe weather in Louisiana

Cons of moving from Alabama to Louisiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Alabama to live with a higher cost of living in Louisiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of southern charm and have to settle with the con of a busy urban life
  • Time to bid farewell to the peaceful countryside and get used to densely populated areas in Louisiana
  • Swap close-knit communities for a transient population

Alabama vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlabamaLouisiana
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsGumbo
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkCrawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e
Most popular street food itemGrilled CornPo'boys
Most popular vegan foodOkra StewRed Beans and Rice
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
  • Hot and Hot Fish Club
  • Commander's Palace
  • Galatoire's
  • Willie Mae's Scotch House
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alabama to Louisiana, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious Gumbo of Louisiana. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Grilled Corn, Louisiana residents know they have tasty Crawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e and Po'boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Red Beans and Rice of Louisiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, and Hot and Hot Fish Club. After the boxes are unpacked in Louisiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Louisiana's acclaimed eateries like Commander's Palace, Galatoire's, and Willie Mae's Scotch House.

When comparing lifestyles, Louisiana shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Louisiana, compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Louisiana.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Louisiana

ComparisonAlabamaLouisiana
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum, CottageCreole, Colonial
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, PorchesFrench doors, Patios
  • The Antebellum and Cottage architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Creole and Colonial architecture typical of Louisiana.
  • Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and porches, Louisiana real estate listings often highlight features like French doors and patios.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Louisiana is more walkable than Alabama.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Louisiana is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
  • Louisiana has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
  • Louisiana housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $199,091 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Louisiana have increased 13% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
  • Rent in Louisiana is 10.72% more affordable than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Louisiana

ComparisonAlabamaLouisiana
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, HurricanesHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90/7291/73
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57/3662/42
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5860
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1<1
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alabama to Louisiana. Louisiana gets 1% more sunshine days than Alabama.
  • Louisiana has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alabama.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hurricanes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Louisiana.
  • The average summer high temperature in Louisiana is 1 degree warmer than in Alabama.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Alabama.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Louisiana. Louisiana receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Louisiana

ComparisonAlabamaLouisiana
Avg. Household Income$59,674$55,416
Cost of Living Index91.296
State Income Tax2 - 52 - 6
Avg. Property Tax0.420.53
Avg. Sales Tax9.229.55
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, Real EstateEnergy, Food Processing, Transportation
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertySignificantHigh
HomelessnessManageableConcerns
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Louisiana tend to earn about 7% less than in Alabama
  • The COLI in Louisiana is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
  • The state income tax in LA is 2 - 6 compared to 2 - 5 in AL
  • The affluence in Louisiana is varied compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
  • The poverty level is high in Louisiana compared to significant poverty in Alabama
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Alabama and a concern in Louisiana

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Louisiana

ComparisonAlabamaLouisiana
Political Make-upConservative/RepublicanMix of Conservative/Republican and Liberal/Democrat
Local PoliticsStrong local governance, with emphasis on local elections and issuesVaries by region; New Orleans known for more liberal policies, rural areas more conservative
ReligionProtestant Christian majorityRoman Catholic majority
  • Alabama tends to lean Conservative/Republican in its political climate
  • Louisiana, on the other hand, is often described as a mix of Conservative/Republican and Liberal/Democrat
  • Louisiana's religious environment can be described as a Roman Catholic majority
  • Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant Christian majority

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Louisiana

ComparisonAlabamaLouisiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRock Quarry Elementary - Tuscaloosa
Meadow View Elementary - Alabaster
Heritage Elementary - Madison
Lusher Charter School - New Orleans
South Highlands Elementary Magnet - Shreveport
Lake Forest Elementary Charter - New Orleans
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMountain Brook Junior High - Mountain Brook
Liberty Park Middle - Vestavia Hills
Simmons Middle - Hoover
Lusher Charter School - New Orleans
Caddo Parish Middle Magnet - Shreveport
Youngsville Middle - Youngsville
Top 3 High School SchoolsMountain Brook High - Mountain Brook
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High - Montgomery
Vestavia Hills High - Vestavia Hills
Benjamin Franklin High - New Orleans
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies - Metairie
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy - Jefferson
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Altamont School - Birmingham
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs
Randolph School - Huntsville
Isidore Newman School - New Orleans
Metairie Park Country Day School - Metairie
Episcopal High School - Baton Rouge
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsAltamont School - Birmingham
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs
Randolph School - Huntsville
Isidore Newman School - New Orleans
Metairie Park Country Day School - Metairie
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge
Top 3 School DistrictsMountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Madison City Schools
Zachary Community School District
Central Community School System
Ascension Parish Schools

How Much Do Alabama to Louisiana Movers Cost?

Moving 389 miles from Alabama to Louisiana will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-24 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Latitude Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,423300 ft3$4.74
1 Bedroom$2,112450 ft3$4.69
2 Bedrooms$3,483750 ft3$4.64
3 Bedrooms$5,0531100 ft3$4.59
4 Bedrooms$7,2691600 ft3$4.54
5+ Bedrooms$8,0881800 ft3$4.49

Top Alabama to Louisiana Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Louisiana movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

Best moving company overall for Alabama to Louisiana

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Latitude Movers featured image

New Latitude Movers

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Black Tie Moving featured image

Black Tie Moving

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details

Birmingham to Louisiana

Huntsville to Louisiana

Montgomery to Louisiana

Mobile to Louisiana