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Louisiana to California Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Gumbo and Jambalaya, but get your taste buds ready for California Roll & Tri-tip steak
  • California housing costs are 294% more expensive than they are in Louisiana
  • Rent in California is 107.16% more expensive than in Louisiana
  • Moving from Louisiana to California will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Louisiana to California movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

Louisiana to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Louisiana to California

ConsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • High humidity
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • Mild coastal climate
  • Technology hub
  • Vast outdoor adventures

California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Expensive dining
  • Urban sprawl
Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Strong cultural heritage
  • Cajun cuisine
  • Warm communities

Pros of moving from Louisiana to California

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a mild coastal climate
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer tech jobs and moving to California with its technology hub
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of Louisiana for vast outdoor adventures in California

Cons of moving from Louisiana to California

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a strong cultural heritage in Louisiana to live with a higher cost of living in California
  • You'll lose out on the pro of Cajun cuisine and have to settle for the con of expensive dining
  • Time to bid farewell to warm communities and get used to urban sprawl in California

Louisiana vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonLouisianaCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemGumboCalifornia Roll
Most popular meat dishJambalayaTri-tip steak
Most popular street food itemPo'boyFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodOkra StewAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Commander's Palace
  • Antoine's
  • Galatoire's
  • Chez Panisse
  • The French Laundry
  • Nopa
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 Louisiana to California, you will be trading the iconic Gumbo of Louisiana for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Louisiana rave about their flavorful Jambalaya and sumptuous Po'boy, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip steak and Fish Tacos 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 Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Louisiana eateries like Commander's Palace, Antoine's, and Galatoire's. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Nopa.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Louisiana and California

ComparisonLouisianaCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleFrench Colonial, CreoleSpanish Revival, Modern
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 listingSpacious yards, waterfrontSolar panels, eco-friendly features
  • The French Colonial and Creole architecture that Louisiana is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival and Modern architecture typical of California.
  • Compared to Louisiana's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and waterfront, California real estate listings often highlight features like solar panels and eco-friendly attributes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Louisiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Louisiana.
  • California has more of an urban feel than Louisiana.
  • California housing costs are 294% more expensive than they are in Louisiana, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Louisiana’s $199,091.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 13% increase in Louisiana.
  • Rent in California is 107.16% more expensive than in Louisiana.

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

ComparisonLouisianaCalifornia
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityModerateVaries significantly
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)91/7385/60
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)62/4368/48
Annual Rainfall (Inches)6022
Annual Snowfall (Inches)< 1Varies by region
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Louisiana to California. California gets 31% more sunshine days than Louisiana.
  • California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Louisiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Louisiana, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 6 degrees colder than in Louisiana.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Louisiana.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 38 fewer inches of rain compared to Louisiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Louisiana and California

ComparisonLouisianaCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$55,416$91,551
Cost of Living Index96136.4
State Income TaxUp to 6%Up to 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.53%0.73%
Avg. Sales Tax9.55%7.25% - 10.75%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Agriculture, ManufacturingTechnology, Entertainment, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 65% more than in Louisiana
  • The COLI in California will be 42% higher than what you are used to living in Louisiana
  • The state income tax in CA is up to 13.3% compared to up to 6% in LA
  • The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Louisiana
  • The poverty level is moderate in California compared to high poverty in Louisiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Louisiana and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Louisiana vs. California

ComparisonLouisianaCalifornia
Political Make-upModerately conservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican stronghold in rural areasDemocratic dominance in urban areas
ReligionChristianity predominates, Catholicism significantDiverse, less religiously affiliated overall
  • Louisiana tends to lean moderately conservative in its political climate
  • California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • California's religious environment can be described as diverse and less religiously affiliated overall
  • Louisiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with significant Catholicism

Education Guide When Moving from Louisiana to California

ComparisonLouisianaCalifornia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana
University of California
Stanford University
California State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMetairie Park Country Day School (Metairie)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
Milton Elementary School (Lafayette)
El Carmelo Elementary (Palo Alto)
Old Orchard School (Campbell)
Ocean Air School (San Diego)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPaul Breaux Middle School (Lafayette)
Glasgow Middle School (Baton Rouge)
Young Audiences Charter School (Gretna)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Joaquin Miller Middle (San Jose)
Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla)
Top 3 High SchoolsBenjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans)
Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie)
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (Jefferson)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
Whitney High School (Cerritos)
Top 3 private high schoolsIsidore Newman School (New Orleans)
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)
Metairie Park Country Day School (Metairie)
Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLouise S. McGehee School (New Orleans)
St. Martin’s Episcopal School (Metairie)
Country Day School (Metairie)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Buckley School (Sherman Oaks)
Top 3 School DistrictsZachary Community School District
Central Community School System
Ascension Parish Public Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Los Altos School District

How Much Do Louisiana to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,888 miles from Louisiana to California 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 Louisiana to California Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Louisiana to California 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 Louisiana to California

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

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Henry Hauling LLC featured image

Henry Hauling LLC

9.22/10
ExceptionalView details

New Orleans to California