Factors influencing moving costs from Miami to Columbustoggle

The cost of Miami 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 Miami to Columbus can be as low as $1,182 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,094.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Miami, 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 $580 to $1,398. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Miami to Columbus

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

Check out how Miami compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Miami Columbus
Average rent cost $2,990 $1,100
Average home value $579,925 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $54,858 $50,542
Cost of living (single person) $3,103 $2,041
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,450 $3,834
Unemployment rate 8.3% 5.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.0%
State income tax 0.0% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 63% lower than in Miami, 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 Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 72.8% lower than in Miami.
  • Income in Columbus is 7.9% lower than in Miami, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 34.2% lower than in Miami. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 48.5% lower than in Miami.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 36.14% lower than in Miami.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 28.57% higher than in Miami.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 5.49% higher than in Miami.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,973.25 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Miami.

How life is different in Miami vs. Columbus

Columbus Miami
Population 206,922 442,241
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 8
Walkability score 25 77
Bike friendliness score 31 64
Crime Index 72.18 52.54
Safety Index 27.82 47.46
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 53% less than Miami.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Miami's higher score of 8.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Miami with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Miami's 77 out of 100.
  • Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Miami, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Miami with a score of 72.18 compared to Miami's 52.54. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Miami with a score of 27.82 vs Miami's 47.46.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Miami it's good.

Other things to consider for your Miami vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Lowell of the South[", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • MidTown
  • Uptown
  • Downtown Columbus
  • Overlook
  • Lakebottom

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North Columbus
  • Brookstone
  • Green Island Hills
  • MidTown
  • Ivy Park

Things to do in Columbus

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Georgia, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and The Lunch Box Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Flat Rock Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbus Lions (NAL), Columbus River Dragons (FPHL), Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL), or Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Miami to Columbus?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Miami to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Miami to Columbus 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 Miami to Columbus take?

The 609-mile move from Miami, FL, to Columbus, GA, takes one to six days. Some Miami movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.

Helpful moving resources