California to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Louisiana

ConsCalifornia

• Expensive housing
• High income taxes
• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Long commutes
• Drought water restrictions
• Wildfire risk
• Strict regulations
• Earthquake risk
• Crowded cities
• High utility costs
• Cold Pacific waters

ProsLouisiana

• More affordable homes
• Lower income taxes
• Lower overall costs
• Lighter traffic
• Shorter commutes
• Abundant rainfall
• Fewer wildfires
• More business friendly
• Minimal earthquake risk
• Less crowded communities
• Lower utility costs
• Warm Gulf waters

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Louisiana

• Fewer high paying jobs
• Hot humid summers
• Limited sandy beaches
• Flatter landscapes
• Limited public transit
• Fewer elite colleges
• Fewer park options
• Hurricane flood risk
• Smaller wine scene
• High humidity
• Less industry diversity
• Less dramatic coasts

California

• Strong tech jobs
• Mild dry climate
• Oceanfront beaches
• Mountain recreation
• Robust public transit
• Top universities
• Extensive park system
• Low hurricane risk
• Vast wine country
• Dry heat summers
• Diverse industries
• Scenic coastal drives

Pros of moving from California to Louisiana

• Say goodbye to expensive housing and hello to more affordable homes
• Look forward to moving away from high income taxes and moving to Louisiana with lower income taxes
• Swap the high cost of living in California for lower overall costs in Louisiana
• Get ready for lighter traffic in Louisiana

Cons of moving from California to Louisiana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from strong tech jobs in California to live with fewer high paying jobs in Louisiana
• You'll lose out on the pro of a mild dry climate and have to settle for the con of hot humid summers
• Time to bid farewell to oceanfront beaches and get used to limited sandy beaches in Louisiana
• Swap mountain recreation for flatter landscapes

California vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Louisiana, you will be trading the iconic Sushi of California for the equally delicious Gumbo of Louisiana. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Louisiana residents know they have tasty Jambalaya and Po' boy sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Gumbo of Louisiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. 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, Café du Monde, and Acme Oyster House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Louisiana

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the French Colonial and Shotgun architecture typical of Louisiana.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and solar panels, Louisiana real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and large porches.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Louisiana is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Louisiana is less bike-friendly than California.
• Louisiana has less of an urban feel than California.
• Louisiana housing costs are 75% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $199,091 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Louisiana have increased by 13% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Louisiana is 51.73% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Louisiana. Louisiana gets 25% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Louisiana has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Louisiana.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Louisiana is 6 degrees warmer than California.
• The average winter lows in Louisiana are 2 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Louisiana. Louisiana receives 38 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Louisiana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Louisiana tend to earn about 39% less than in California
• The COLI in Louisiana will be 30% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in LA is 6% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Louisiana is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is high in Louisiana compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and moderate in Louisiana

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Louisiana

• California tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Louisiana, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• Louisiana's religious environment can be described as having a higher prominence of Christianity
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more diverse and less religious overall

How Much Do California to Louisiana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,888 miles from California to Louisiana will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.