Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Tampa to Columbus
What to know before moving from Tampa to Columbus
Moving from Tampa 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 Tampa than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Tampa compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tampa | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,930 | $1,100 |
| Average home value | $371,271 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,802 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,232 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,108 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 43% lower than in Tampa, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 57.5% lower than in Tampa. - Income in Columbus is 24.3% lower than in Tampa, 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 36.9% lower than in Tampa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 52.7% lower than in Tampa.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 6.00% higher than in Tampa.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 38.46% higher than in Tampa.
- State income taxes in Columbus are 5.49% higher than in Tampa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,894.49 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tampa.
How life is different in Tampa vs. Columbus
| Columbus | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 403,364 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 51 |
| Crime Index | 72.18 | 46.15 |
| Safety Index | 27.82 | 53.85 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 49% less than Tampa.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Tampa's higher score of 8.
- Columbus is less walkable than Tampa with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Tampa's 51 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 Tampa, which has a score of 51 out of 100.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Tampa with a score of 72.18 compared to Tampa's 46.15. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Tampa with a score of 27.82 vs Tampa's 53.85.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Tampa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Tampa 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
After getting comfortable in your new Georgia home, itโs time to see what Columbus is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbus include museums and art centers like 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 cityโs Flat Rock 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 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 Tampa to Columbus?
The best time to move from Tampa to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tampa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tampa to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Tampa 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 Tampa to Columbus take?
The 401-mile move from Tampa, FL, to Columbus, GA, takes one to four days. Some Tampa movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
