Moving from Columbus to Atlanta, GA
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Quick answer: Moving from Columbus to Atlanta costs between $124 to $5,102 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 107-mile route within Georgia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Columbus to Atlanta
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Columbus to Atlanta are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Columbus to driving and unloading in Atlanta, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 107 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,327 - $3,892 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $984 - $1,834 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $137 - $230 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $140/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Atlanta?
It costs between $124 to $5,102 to move from Columbus to Atlanta. The prices below break down your 107-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $716 - $5,102
- Moving containers: $824 - $2,316
- Rental trucks: $124 - $240
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $716 - $3,225 | $824 - $1,324 | $124 - $188 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,327 - $3,892 | $984 - $1,834 | $137 - $230 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,842 - $5,102 | $1,311 - $2,316 | $160 - $240 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $234 - $1,950+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $140/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $65/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $156 - $624 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $39 - $156 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Columbus to Atlanta
At 107 miles, your Columbus to Atlanta move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Columbus to Atlanta. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Georgia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 107 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Coleman Worldwide Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Columbus to Atlanta. They've been in business since 1914 (112 years of experience) and 84.1% of their 232 verified reviews are positive.
More Georgia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Atlanta to Columbus guide.
Considerations when moving from Columbus to Atlanta
Cost of living: Columbus vs. Atlanta
When comparing the cost of living between Columbus and Atlanta, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Atlanta stacks up against Columbus.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbus | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,100 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $179,307 | $419,637 |
| Average income (per capita) | $56,622 | $81,938 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,041 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,834 | $7,822 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 6.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.0% | 8.9% |
- Rent prices in Atlanta are 73% higher than in Columbus. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Atlanta are 134% higher than in Columbus, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 45% higher than in Columbus. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Atlanta are 54% higher than in Columbus, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 104% higher than in Columbus. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Atlanta one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Atlanta is 13% higher than in Columbus. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Atlanta and Columbus, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,620 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Atlanta
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Atlanta vs. Columbus. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Columbus | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 498,715 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 49" | 52" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 72.18 | 64.23 |
Atlanta sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Atlanta is around 141% bigger than Columbus. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Atlanta leaned Republican, while Columbus went Democratic.
- Both Atlanta and Columbus average summer highs close to 88°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Columbus and Atlanta experience similar winter lows, with Columbus reaching 35°F and Atlanta getting down to 33°F.
- Both Columbus and Atlanta see about the same yearly rainfall—Columbus averages 49 inches, while Atlanta gets 52 inches each year.
- Columbus sees no annual snowfall, while Atlanta averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Atlanta is safer than Columbus, boasting a lower crime index of 64.23 compared to Columbus’s 72.18.
Things to do in Atlanta
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Atlanta has you covered.
Museums in Atlanta
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
- High Museum of Art
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Hammonds House Museum
- Atlanta History Center
Parks in Atlanta
- Sweetwater Creek State Park
- Freedom Park
- Stone Mountain Park
- Grant Park
- Piedmont Park
Sports teams in Atlanta
- Atlanta Braves (MLB)
- Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
- Atlanta United (MLS)
- Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
Universities in Atlanta
- American InterContinental University
- Clark Atlanta University
- DeVry University
- Emory University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Columbus to Atlanta?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Columbus to Atlanta, expect to pay between $652 and $2,861 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,327 and $3,892. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,842 up to $5,102 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Atlanta?
If you’re moving from Columbus to Atlanta and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $583 and go up to $1,280. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $984 and $1,834. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,311 and $2,316.
How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Atlanta?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $126 to $184. A larger move will cost $137 to $230, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Columbus to Atlanta costs from $160 to $240.
How far in advance should I book Columbus-to-Atlanta movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Columbus to Atlanta at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Columbus-to-Atlanta movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Atlanta?
To save money on your move to Atlanta, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
