Moving from Atlanta to Columbus, GA
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Quick answer: Moving from Atlanta to Columbus costs between $133 to $4,713 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 106-mile route within Georgia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Atlanta to Columbus
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Atlanta to Columbus are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Atlanta to driving and unloading in Columbus, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 106 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,314 - $3,970 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,036 - $1,946 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $137 - $212 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Wirks Moving & Storage, Inc. | $85/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Atlanta to Columbus?
It costs between $133 to $4,713 to move from Atlanta to Columbus. The prices below break down your 106-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $745 - $4,713
- Moving containers: $808 - $2,293
- Rental trucks: $133 - $240
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $745 - $3,225 | $808 - $1,379 | $133 - $190 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,314 - $3,970 | $1,036 - $1,946 | $137 - $212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,732 - $4,713 | $1,365 - $2,293 | $148 - $240 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $339 - $2,825+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $226 - $904 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $56 - $226 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Atlanta to Columbus
At 106 miles, your Atlanta to Columbus move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Atlanta to Columbus. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Georgia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 106 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Atlanta's Furniture Taxi Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Atlanta to Columbus. They've been in business since 2012 (14 years of experience) and 92.6% of their 215 verified reviews are positive.
More Georgia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus to Atlanta guide.
Considerations when moving from Atlanta to Columbus
Cost of living: Atlanta vs. Columbus
When comparing the cost of living between Atlanta and Columbus, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Columbus stacks up against Atlanta.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Atlanta | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,900 | $1,100 |
| Average home cost | $419,637 | $179,307 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,938 | $56,622 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,822 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 5.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.9% | 9.0% |
- Rent in Columbus is about 42% cheaper than in Atlanta, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Columbus are 57% lower than in Atlanta, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Columbus is 31% lower than in Atlanta. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Columbus is 35% lower than in Atlanta. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 51% lower than in Atlanta. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Columbus is 12% lower than in Atlanta. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Columbus and Atlanta, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,950 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Atlanta.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. Columbus
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Columbus vs. Atlanta. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Atlanta | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 206,922 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 52" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 64.23 | 72.18 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Columbus has about 59% fewer people than Atlanta. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Columbus leaned Democratic, while Atlanta went Republican.
- Both Columbus and Atlanta average summer highs close to 92°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Atlanta and Columbus experience similar winter lows, with Atlanta reaching 33°F and Columbus getting down to 35°F.
- Both Atlanta and Columbus see about the same yearly rainfall—Atlanta averages 52 inches, while Columbus gets 49 inches each year.
- Columbus has no annual snowfall, while Atlanta averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Columbus has a higher crime rate than Atlanta, with a crime index of 72.18 vs 64.23.
Things to do in Columbus
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Columbus has you covered.
Museums in Columbus
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- National Civil War Naval Museum
- Columbus Museum
- Coca-Cola Space Science Center
- The Lunch Box Museum
Parks in Columbus
- Flat Rock Park
Sports teams in Columbus
- Columbus Lions (NAL)
- Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)
- Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)
- Columbus Rapids (NISL)
Universities in Columbus
- Columbus State University
- Columbus Technical College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Atlanta to Columbus?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Atlanta to Columbus, expect to pay between $652 and $2,668 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,314 and $3,970. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,732 up to $4,713 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Atlanta to Columbus?
If you’re moving from Atlanta to Columbus and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $549 and go up to $1,360. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,036 and $1,946. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,365 and $2,293.
How much is a moving truck from Atlanta to Columbus?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $130 to $196. A larger move will cost $137 to $212, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Atlanta to Columbus costs from $148 to $240.
How far in advance should I book Atlanta-to-Columbus movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Atlanta to Columbus at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Atlanta-to-Columbus movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbus?
To save money on your move to Columbus, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
