Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Atlantatoggle

The cost of Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Atlanta can be as low as $1,316 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,283.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, 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 $578 to $1,466. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Atlanta

Moving from Washington DC to Atlanta means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Atlanta, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Washington DC compares to Atlanta so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Washington DC Atlanta
Average rent cost $2,400 $1,900
Average home value $594,337 $388,167
Average income (per capita) $101,722 $66,107
Cost of living (single person) $3,963 $3,134
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,093 $7,822
Unemployment rate 7.0% 6.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.9%
State income tax 5.75% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Atlanta are 21% lower than in Washington DC, 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 Atlanta.
    Home prices in Atlanta are 34.7% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Atlanta is 35.0% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Atlanta include Delta Air Lines, Emory University / Emory Healthcare, and The Home Depot.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 20.9% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 29.5% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 14.29% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Atlanta are 48.33% higher than in Washington DC.
  • One perk of moving to Atlanta is paying less in state income taxes, which are 4.52% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,372.45 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Atlanta

Atlanta Washington DC
Population 498,715 705,749
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 48 77
Bike friendliness score 42 70
Crime Index 64.23 60.37
Safety Index 35.77 39.63
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Atlanta's population is about 29% less than Washington DC.
  • Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
  • Atlanta is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
  • Atlanta has a bike-friendliness score 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
  • Atlanta and Washington DC have a similar crime rate.
  • Atlanta and Washington DC are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Washington DC it's good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Atlanta move

  • Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
  • 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Georgia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Georgia 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 Atlanta. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Atlanta

Ready to relocate to "Atl"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Atlanta.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cabbagetown
  • Inman Park
  • Midtown
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Virginia-Highland

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Buckhead
  • Druid Hills
  • Inman Park
  • Mountain Park
  • Virginia-Highland

Things to do in Atlanta

After getting comfortable in your new Georgia home, itโ€™s time to see what Atlanta is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Atlanta include museums and art centers like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hammonds House Museum, and Atlanta History Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), or Atlanta United (MLS) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Atlanta?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Atlanta?

Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Atlanta 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 Washington DC to Atlanta take?

The 638-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Atlanta, GA, takes one to six days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources