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Louisiana to Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 1,014 mile interstate move from Louisiana to Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Louisiana vs Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder summers), food & health (like Gumbo vs Ham (Smithfield)), real estate & housing (french colonial, creole vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Gumbo and Jambalaya, but get your taste buds ready for Ham (Smithfield) & Barbecue
  • Virginia housing costs are 94% more expensive than they are in Louisiana
  • Rent in Virginia is 39.08% more expensive than in Louisiana
  • Moving from Louisiana to Virginia will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Louisiana to Virginia movers is ARS Movers

Louisiana to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Louisiana to Virginia

ConsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • High humidity
  • Limited public transit
  • Hurricane risk
ProsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Milder summers
  • Efficient metro systems
  • Less severe weather

Virginia iconVirginia
  • High living costs
  • Less diverse food options
  • Fewer frequent events
Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Rich culture
  • Delicious Cajun cuisine
  • Music festivals

Pros of moving from Louisiana to Virginia

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to milder summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Virginia with efficient metro systems
  • Swap the hurricane risk of Louisiana for less severe weather in Virginia
  • Get ready for enjoyable outdoor activities in Virginia

Cons of moving from Louisiana to Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich culture in Louisiana to live with high living costs in Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of delicious Cajun cuisine and have to settle with the con of less diverse food options
  • Time to bid farewell to music festivals and get used to fewer frequent events in Virginia
  • Swap the vibrant nightlife for quieter evenings in Virginia

Louisiana vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonLouisianaVirginia
Most iconic local food itemGumboHam (Smithfield)
Most popular meat dishJambalayaBarbecue
Most popular street food itemBeignetsOyster Po' Boy
Most popular vegan foodOkra Gumbo (Vegan)BBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • L'Auberge Chez Francois
  • Mama's Fish 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 Louisiana to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Gumbo of Louisiana for the equally delicious Ham (Smithfield) of Virginia. And while the locals in Louisiana rave about their flavorful Jambalaya and sumptuous Beignets, Virginia residents know they have tasty Barbecue and Oyster Po' Boy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo (Vegan) they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Louisiana eateries like Commander's Palace, Antoine's, and Cochon. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, L'Auberge Chez Francois, and Mama's Fish House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Louisiana and Virginia

ComparisonLouisianaVirginia
Typical Architecture StyleFrench Colonial, CreoleColonial, Craftsman
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 backyards, proximity to waterEnergy efficiency, community amenities
  • The French Colonial and Creole architecture that Louisiana is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
  • Compared to Louisiana's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to water, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and community amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than Louisiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Virginia is more bike-friendly than Louisiana.
  • Virginia has more of an urban feel than Louisiana.
  • Virginia housing costs are 94% more expensive than they are in Louisiana, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Louisiana’s $199,091.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased 42% compared to a 13% increase in Louisiana.
  • Rent in Virginia is 39.08% more expensive than in Louisiana.

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

ComparisonLouisianaVirginia
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, FloodsHurricanes, Winter Storms
Air QualityModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)91Β°F / 73Β°F87Β°F / 68Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)62Β°F / 42Β°F48Β°F / 29Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)60 inches42 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.2 inches14 inches
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Louisiana to Virginia. Virginia gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Louisiana.
  • Virginia has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Louisiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Louisiana, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and winter storms in Virginia.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 4 degrees colder than in Louisiana.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees colder than they are in Louisiana.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Virginia. Virginia receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Louisiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Louisiana and Virginia

ComparisonLouisianaVirginia
Avg. Household Income$55,416$85,873
Cost of Living Index9696.6
State Income Tax2 - 6%2 - 5.75%
Avg. Property Tax0.52%0.82%
Avg. Sales Tax9.55%5.3%
Top 3 IndustriesOil and Gas, Agriculture, TourismGovernment, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessModerateLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 55% more than in Louisiana
  • The COLI in Virginia will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Louisiana
  • The state income tax in VA is 2 - 5.75% compared to 2 - 6% in LA
  • The affluence in Virginia is high compared to moderate in Louisiana
  • The poverty level is lower in Virginia compared to higher in Louisiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Louisiana and lower in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Louisiana vs. Virginia

ComparisonLouisianaVirginia
Political Make-upTraditionally Conservative, with recent shiftsModerately Liberal, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsStrong emphasis on local governanceHigh engagement in both local and state politics
ReligionPredominantly Christian, diverse denominationsReligious diversity, with a strong Christian base
  • Louisiana tends to lean traditionally Conservative in its political climate
  • Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Liberal, especially in urban areas
  • Virginia's religious environment can be described as religious diversity with a strong Christian base
  • Louisiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with diverse denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Louisiana to Virginia

ComparisonLouisianaVirginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMetairie Academy for Advanced Studies (Metairie)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary School (Shreveport)
Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington)
Westbriar Elementary School (Vienna)
Nottingham Elementary School (Arlington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsParkview Baptist School (Baton Rouge)
St. George's Episcopal School (New Orleans)
Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie)
Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Cooper Middle School (McLean)
Frost Middle School (Fairfax)
Top 3 High School SchoolsBenjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans)
Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie)
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (Jefferson)
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Langley High School (McLean)
Top 3 private high schoolsIsidore Newman School (New Orleans)
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)
Jesuit High School (New Orleans)
The Potomac School (McLean)
Norfolk Academy (Norfolk)
St. Christopher's School (Richmond)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMetairie Park Country Day School (Metairie)
Trinity Episcopal School (New Orleans)
University Laboratory School (Baton Rouge)
The Madeira School (McLean)
Episcopal High School (Alexandria)
The Collegiate School (Richmond)
Top 3 School DistrictsZachary Community School District
Central Community School System
Ascension Parish School Board
Falls Church City Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools

How Much Do Louisiana to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,014 miles from Louisiana to Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,777300 ft3$5.92
1 Bedroom$2,644450 ft3$5.87
2 Bedrooms$4,368750 ft3$5.82
3 Bedrooms$6,3521100 ft3$5.77
4 Bedrooms$9,1591600 ft3$5.72
5+ Bedrooms$10,2141800 ft3$5.67

Top Louisiana to Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Louisiana to Virginia

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Henry Hauling LLC featured image

Henry Hauling LLC

9.22/10
ExceptionalView details