Movers

California to Louisiana Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 1,888 mile interstate move from California to Louisiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Louisiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Sushi vs Gumbo), real estate & housing (modern, spanish vs french colonial, shotgun), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Sushi and Tri-tip BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Gumbo & Jambalaya
  • Louisiana housing costs are 75% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Louisiana is 51.73% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Louisiana will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended California to Louisiana movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

California to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Louisiana

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Drought conditions
  • High taxes
  • Frequent wildfires
ProsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • Affordable housing
  • Less crowded roads
  • Rich water resources
  • Lower taxes
  • Minimal wildfire risk

Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Limited cultural events
  • High humidity
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Fewer dining options
California iconCalifornia
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Diverse cultural scene
  • Favorable climate
  • Scenic landscapes
  • World-class dining

Pros of moving from California to Louisiana

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Louisiana with less crowded roads
  • Swap the drought conditions of California for rich water resources in Louisiana
  • Get ready for lower taxes in Louisiana

Cons of moving from California to Louisiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the thriving tech industry in California to live with fewer tech opportunities in Louisiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse cultural scene and have to settle with the con of limited cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to the favorable climate and get used to high humidity in Louisiana
  • Swap scenic landscapes for fewer outdoor activities

California vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaLouisiana
Most iconic local food itemSushiGumbo
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQJambalaya
Most popular street food itemFish TacosPo' boy sandwiches
Most popular vegan foodAvocado toastOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Chez Panisse
    • In-N-Out Burger
    • The French Laundry
    • Commander's Palace
    • CafΓ© du Monde
    • Acme Oyster 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 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, CafΓ© 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

ComparisonCaliforniaLouisiana
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishFrench Colonial, Shotgun
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 listingEco-friendly, solar panelsHistoric details, large porches
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaLouisiana
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 DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityVaries by region; generally moderateMostly good; urban areas can experience poorer quality
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 55Β°F91Β°F / 73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 45Β°F62Β°F / 43Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22"60"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)Varies widely by region<1"
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaLouisiana
Avg. Household Income$91,551$55,416
Cost of Living Index136.496
State Income Tax13.3%6%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%0.18%
Avg. Sales Tax7.25%8.45%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureEnergy, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessSignificantModerate
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaLouisiana
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal policies in urban areasConservative policies statewide
ReligionMore diverse, less religious overallHigher prominence of Christianity
  • 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

Education Guide When Moving from California to Louisiana

ComparisonCaliforniaLouisiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of California
Stanford University
California State University
Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOrion Alternative (Redwood City)
Mill Valley School (Mill Valley)
Pacific Elementary (Manhattan Beach)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
South Highlands Elementary Magnet (Shreveport)
Baton Rouge FLAIM (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPreuss School UCSD (La Jolla)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Caddo Parish Middle Magnet (Shreveport)
Thomas Jefferson High (Gretna)
Lusher Charter (New Orleans)
Top 3 High SchoolsCalifornia Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Benjamin Franklin High (New Orleans)
Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie)
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (Jefferson)
Top 3 private high schoolsHarvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The College Preparatory School (Oakland)
Polytechnic School (Pasadena)
Isidore Newman School (New Orleans)
Metairie Park Country Day School (Metairie)
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)
Isidore Newman School (New Orleans)
Top 3 School DistrictsSan Francisco Unified
Palo Alto Unified
Santa Clara County Office of Education
Zachary Community School District
Central Community School System
Orleans Parish School Board

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.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,273300 ft3$7.58
1 Bedroom$3,387450 ft3$7.53
2 Bedrooms$5,607750 ft3$7.48
3 Bedrooms$8,1691100 ft3$7.43
4 Bedrooms$11,8021600 ft3$7.38
5+ Bedrooms$13,1871800 ft3$7.33

Top California to Louisiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Louisiana

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. featured image

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details

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