Factors influencing moving costs from Lafayette to Dallastoggle

The cost of Lafayette movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Lafayette to Dallas can be as low as $1,210 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,141.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lafayette, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $427 to $1,006. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Dallas

Moving from Lafayette to Dallas comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Dallas is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Lafayette Dallas
Average rent cost $2,825 $1,774
Average home value $214,264 $303,900
Average income (per capita) $59,490 $68,291
Cost of living (single person) $1,785 $2,828
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,208 $7,793
Unemployment rate 5.8% 3.6%
Sales tax 9.45% 8.25%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Dallas are 37% lower than in Lafayette, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
    Home prices in Dallas are 41.8% higher than in Lafayette.
  • Income in Dallas is 14.8% higher than in Lafayette, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Dallas include Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., American Airlines Group, Inc., and Dallas ISD.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Dallas, since the cost of living for a single person in Dallas is 58.4% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Dallas, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Dallas is 85.2% higher than in Lafayette.
  • The unemployment rate in Dallas is 37.93% lower than in Lafayette.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Dallas, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Dallas are 12.70% lower than in Lafayette.
  • One perk of moving to Dallas is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Lafayette.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,752.94 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Dallas

Dallas Lafayette
Population 1,304,379 121,374
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 46 42
Bike friendliness score 49 47
Crime Index 51.4 45.75
Safety Index 48.6 54.25
Air Quality Good Good
  • Dallas's population is about 975% greater than Lafayette.
  • Dallas's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Lafayette's lower score of 3.
  • Dallas is more walkable than Lafayette with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
  • Both Dallas and Lafayette have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Dallas is about as safe for cyclists as Lafayette. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Dallas's crime rate is higher than Lafayette with a score of 51.4 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 51.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
  • Dallas is considered to be less safe than Lafayette with a score of 48.6 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
  • Air quality in Dallas is good, and in Lafayette it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette vs. Dallas move

  • Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Dallas are most likely.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Dallas. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Dallas

Ready to relocate to "Big D"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Dallas.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Bishop Arts District
  • Deep Ellum
  • Design District
  • Knox-Henderson
  • Uptown

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Preston Hollow
  • Preston Highlands
  • Lakewood
  • Richardson
  • University Park

Things to do in Dallas

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Texas, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Dallas has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Dallas features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas Museum of Art, and Rainbow Vomit.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake Park, Main Street Garden Park, and Fair Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Texas Rangers (MLB), Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), or Dallas Mavericks (NBA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lafayette to Dallas?

The best time to move from Lafayette to Dallas is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lafayette.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Dallas?

Because most people are moving from Lafayette to Dallas in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Lafayette to Dallas take?

The 391-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Dallas, TX, takes one to four days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dallas.

Helpful moving resources