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 $1,371 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,967.
  • 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 $573 to $1,438. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Atlanta

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) $1,424 $1,324
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,184 $4,783
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.
  • Home prices in Atlanta are 34.7% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Atlanta is 35.0% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 7.0% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 7.7% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 14.29% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Sales taxes in Atlanta are 48.33% higher than in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Atlanta are 4.52% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,789.33 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 lower 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's crime rate is higher than Washington DC with a score of 64.23 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
  • Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Washington DC with a score of 35.77 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Atlanta. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Atlanta

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Atl", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Atlanta.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Avondale Estates
  • Buckhead
  • Candler Park
  • Decatur
  • Druid Hills
  • Inman Park
  • Mountain Park
  • North Decatur
  • Poncey-Highland
  • Virginia-Highland

Things to do in Atlantatoggle

After settling into your new Georgia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Atlanta has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Atlanta is home to museums and cultural arts 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€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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