($1,461) Movers From McAllen, TX to Lafayette, LA

What to know before moving from McAllen to Lafayette

Moving from McAllen to Lafayette comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lafayette 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 Lafayette are 109% higher than in McAllen, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
  Home prices in Lafayette are 3.2% lower than in McAllen.
• Income in Lafayette is 3.6% higher than in McAllen, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lafayette include LHC Group, King-Patin, and Guy’s Towing Service.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lafayette, since the cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 22.5% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Lafayette, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 18.3% higher than in McAllen.
• The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 26.58% lower than in McAllen.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lafayette, since the city’s sales taxes in Lafayette are 14.55% higher than in McAllen.
• State income taxes in Lafayette are 4.25% higher than in McAllen.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,675.36 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McAllen.

How life is different in McAllen vs. Lafayette

• Lafayette's population is about 15% less than McAllen.
• Lafayette's public transportation has a similar score to McAllen.
• Lafayette and McAllen are similarily walkable.
• Both Lafayette and McAllen have the same bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, meaning Lafayette 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.
• Lafayette's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 45.75 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
• Lafayette is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 54.25 vs McAllen's 63.74.
• Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in McAllen it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your McAllen vs. Lafayette move

• Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
• 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette

With your sights set on "Hub City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lafayette.

Helpful moving resources