($1,480) Movers From McAllen, TX to Baton Rouge, LA

What to know before moving from McAllen to Baton Rouge

Moving from McAllen to Baton Rouge comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Baton Rouge is generally more expensive than McAllen, it’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:

• Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 7% lower than in McAllen, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Baton Rouge.
  Home prices in Baton Rouge are 3.5% lower than in McAllen.
• Income in Baton Rouge is 5.1% higher than in McAllen, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Baton Rouge include Amedisys, LA State University Continuing, and CB&I Government Solutions.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Baton Rouge, since the cost of living for a single person in Baton Rouge is 12.4% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Baton Rouge, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 10.8% higher than in McAllen.
• The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 5.06% lower than in McAllen.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the city’s sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 15.15% higher than in McAllen.
• State income taxes in Baton Rouge are 4.25% higher than in McAllen.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,372.68 in Baton Rouge to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McAllen.

How life is different in McAllen vs. Baton Rouge

• Baton Rouge's population is about 56% greater than McAllen.
• Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus McAllen's lower score of 3.
• Baton Rouge and McAllen are similarily walkable.
• Both Baton Rouge and McAllen have the same bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, meaning Baton Rouge is about as safe for cyclists as McAllen. 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.
• Baton Rouge's crime rate is lower than McAllen with a score of 2.0 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
• Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 30.74 vs McAllen's 63.74.
• Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in McAllen it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your McAllen vs. Baton Rouge move

• Weather: Best months to plan a move to Baton rouge are April, October and November as these are these month have more favorable weather, while July and August are the least comfortable months which can cause discomfort during a move.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Louisiana, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Louisiana doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Baton Rouge without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Baton Rouge

With your sights set on "Red Stick", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Baton Rouge.

Helpful moving resources