Movers

DC to Louisiana Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 1,165 mile interstate move from DC to Louisiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Louisiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing costs), food & health (like Half-smoke vs Gumbo), real estate & housing (federal and victorian vs creole and colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-smoke and Mumbo sauce on chicken wings, but get your taste buds ready for Gumbo & Jambalaya
  • Louisiana housing costs are 68% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Louisiana is 45.15% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Louisiana will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended DC to Louisiana movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Louisiana

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Cold winters
  • Political tension
ProsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • Lower housing costs
  • Less traffic
  • Mild winters
  • Relaxed pace of life

Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Limited transit options
  • Fewer museums
  • Less variety in cuisine
DC iconDC
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Public transportation
  • Proximity to museums
  • Diverse dining options

Pros of moving from DC to Louisiana

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing costs
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Louisiana with less traffic
  • Swap the cold winters of DC for mild winters in Louisiana
  • Get ready for a relaxed pace of life in Louisiana

Cons of moving from DC to Louisiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural scene in DC to live with fewer cultural venues in Louisiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of public transportation and have to settle for the con of limited transit options
  • Time to bid farewell to proximity to museums and get used to fewer museums in Louisiana
  • Swap diverse dining options for less variety in cuisine

DC vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCLouisiana
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeGumbo
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce on chicken wingsJambalaya
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks CuisinePo'boy Sandwiches
Most popular vegan foodChickpea CurryOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Zaytinya
  • Commander's Palace
  • Willie Mae's Scotch House
  • Acme Oyster House
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’Ŗ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie ScenešŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to Louisiana, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Gumbo of Louisiana. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo sauce on chicken wings and sumptuous Food Trucks Cuisine, Louisiana residents know they have tasty Jambalaya and Po'boy Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chickpea Curry 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 DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Cafe, and Zaytinya. 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, Willie Mae's Scotch House, and Acme Oyster House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Louisiana

ComparisonDCLouisiana
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and VictorianCreole and Colonial
WalkabilityšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestylešŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļø
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric Details, Rooftop DecksSpacious Yards, Waterfront Views
  • The Federal and Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Creole and Colonial architecture typical of Louisiana.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference historic details and rooftop decks, Louisiana real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and waterfront views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Louisiana is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Louisiana is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Louisiana has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Louisiana housing costs are 68% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $199,091 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Louisiana have increased by 13% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Louisiana is 45.15% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCLouisiana
Days of Sunshine per Yearā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļø
Avg. Annual HumidityšŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļø
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, HurricanesHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (°F)87°F / 67°F91°F / 73°F
Average Winter High/Low (°F)47°F / 28°F62°F / 43°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4060
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.40.2
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to Louisiana. Louisiana gets 6% more sunshine days than DC.
  • Louisiana has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and hurricanes in DC, 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 4 degrees warmer than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Louisiana. Louisiana receives 20 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Louisiana

ComparisonDCLouisiana
Avg. Household Income$101,027$55,416
Cost of Living Index140.196
State Income Tax6.5%6%
Avg. Property Tax0.55%0.53%
Avg. Sales Tax6%9.45%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Finance, EducationOil & Gas, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Louisiana tend to earn about 45% less than in DC
  • The COLI in Louisiana will be 31% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in LA is 6% compared to 6.5% in DC
  • The affluence in Louisiana is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is high in Louisiana compared to low in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in DC and low in Louisiana

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Louisiana

ComparisonDCLouisiana
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesConservative Policies
ReligionDiverse, with no single dominant religionPrimarily Christian, with a significant Catholic population
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Louisiana, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
  • Louisiana's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a significant Catholic population
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with no single dominant religion

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Louisiana

ComparisonDCLouisiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maryland
George Washington University
Howard University
Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJanney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Eaton Elementary
South Highlands Elementary Magnet
Fairfield Magnet
A.C. Steere Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Eliot-Hine Middle School
Caddo Parish Middle Magnet
Youngsville Middle School
Milton Elementary/Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsSchool Without Walls High School
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
McKinley Technology High School
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
Baton Rouge Magnet High School
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
Isidore Newman School
Episcopal High School
Metairie Park Country Day School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaret School
National Cathedral School
Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School
University Laboratory School
Dunham School
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge
Top 3 School DistrictsDistrict of Columbia Public SchoolsZachary Community School District
Central Community School System
Ascension Parish School Board

How Much Do DC to Louisiana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,165 miles from DC to Louisiana will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,863300 ft3$6.21
1 Bedroom$2,772450 ft3$6.16
2 Bedrooms$4,582750 ft3$6.11
3 Bedrooms$6,6661100 ft3$6.06
4 Bedrooms$9,6161600 ft3$6.01
5+ Bedrooms$10,7281800 ft3$5.96

Top DC to Louisiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to Louisiana

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ap Pro Moving Llc featured image

Ap Pro Moving Llc

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details