When planning a move from California to Georgia, professional movers typically run between
$3,623 and $7,519, a moving container averages about
$3,394, and a rental truck is around
$2,238.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Georgia?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,244 – $5,018 | $1,208 – $3,221 | $1,304 – $2,524 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,623 – $7,519 | $2,145 – $4,643 | $1,441 – $3,036 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,541 – $10,836 | $3,045 – $6,118 | $1,893 – $3,686 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,244 – $5,018
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,623 – $7,519
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,541 – $10,836
How much do moving containers cost from California to Georgia?
- Small move: $1,208 – $3,221
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,145 – $4,643
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,045 – $6,118
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,304 – $2,524
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,441 – $3,036
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,893 – $3,686
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,454-mile move from CA to GA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to GA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,221 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $326,617 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $71,355 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 7.32% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.49% |
Will rent be more expensive in Georgia?
Rent is about 34% lower in Georgia than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,221
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 58% lower in Georgia than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $326,617
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 22% lower in Georgia than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $71,355
Is the overall cost of living higher in Georgia?
The cost of living is 32% lower in Georgia than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 91
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 16% lower in Georgia than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 7.32%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 59% lower in Georgia than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 5.49%
How is daily life different in Georgia compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Georgia | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,029,227 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 51-49 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 50″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 20.58 | 28.43 |
Will Georgia feel more crowded than California?
Georgia is about 72% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Georgia voted Democrat while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (90°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Georgia is colder on average (33°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Georgia?
Rain: Georgia gets more rain (50″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Georgia gets less snow (1 inch vs. 7 inches).
Is Georgia safer than California?
Georgia has a lower crime index than California (20.58 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Georgia?
Museums in Georgia
- Tybee Island Light Station And Museum
- Augusta Canal Discovery Center
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
- Hay House
Parks in Georgia
- Amicalola Falls State Park
- Chattahoochee Bend State Park
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
- F.D. Roosevelt State Park
- Fort Yargo State Park
Sports teams in Georgia
- Atlanta Blaze (MLL)
- Atlanta Braves (MLB)
- Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
- Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
Universities in Georgia
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Georgia
- Georgia State University
- Emory University
- Kennesaw State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Georgia move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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 you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Georgia moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Georgia right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Georgia?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Georgia?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Georgia moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Georgia?
Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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