Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Atlantatoggle

The cost of Seattle 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 Seattle to Atlanta can be as low as $1,800 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 14,652.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $1,746 to $4,734. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Atlanta

Moving from Seattle 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 Seattle than in Atlanta, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Seattle Atlanta
Average rent cost $1,975 $1,900
Average home value $842,068 $388,167
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $66,107
Cost of living (single person) $3,740 $3,134
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,801 $7,822
Unemployment rate 4.8% 6.0%
Sales tax 10.35% 8.9%
State income tax 0.0% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Atlanta are 4% lower than in Seattle, 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 53.9% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Atlanta is 15.1% lower than in Seattle, 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 16.2% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 20.2% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 25.00% higher than in Seattle.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Atlanta are 14.01% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Atlanta are 5.49% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,513.90 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Atlanta

Atlanta Seattle
Population 498,715 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 48 74
Bike friendliness score 42 71
Crime Index 64.23 58.88
Safety Index 35.77 49.23
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Atlanta's population is about 32% less than Seattle.
  • Atlanta's public transportation has a similar score to Seattle.
  • Atlanta is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 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 Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Seattle with a score of 64.23 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 35.77 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Georgia, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Georgia doesnโ€™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 Atlanta 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. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Atlanta

With your sights set on "Atl", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Atlanta.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Buckhead
  • Candler Park
  • Druid Hills
  • Inman Park
  • North Decatur

Things to do in Atlanta

Now that you've made the move to Georgia, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Atlanta. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Atlanta, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Seattle to Atlanta?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Atlanta?

Because most people are moving from Seattle 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 Seattle to Atlanta take?

The 2,636-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Atlanta, GA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Seattle 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