Factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Jacksonville
What to know before moving from Columbus to Jacksonville
Moving from Columbus to Jacksonville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Jacksonville is generally more expensive than Columbus, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Columbus | Jacksonville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,100 | $1,520 |
Average home value | $157,861 | $287,628 |
Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $64,138 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,041 | $2,696 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,834 | $6,605 |
Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.9% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 5.49% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Jacksonville are 38% higher than in Columbus, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Jacksonville are 82.2% higher than in Columbus. - Income in Jacksonville is 26.9% higher than in Columbus, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Jacksonville include FIS, Southeastern Grocers, and Winn-Dixie.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Jacksonville, since the cost of living for a single person in Jacksonville is 32.1% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Jacksonville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 72.3% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is 7.55% lower than in Columbus.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Jacksonville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Jacksonville are 16.67% lower than in Columbus.
- One perk of moving to Jacksonville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,962.76 in Jacksonville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Jacksonville
Jacksonville | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,319 | 206,922 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 2 |
Walkability score | 26 | 25 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 31 |
Crime Index | 56.38 | 72.18 |
Safety Index | 43.62 | 27.82 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Jacksonville's population is about 369% greater than Columbus.
- Jacksonville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 2.
- Jacksonville and Columbus are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 41 out of 100, Jacksonville is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Jacksonville's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 56.38 compared to Columbus's 72.18. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
- Jacksonville is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 43.62 vs Columbus's 27.82.
- Air quality in Jacksonville is good, and in Columbus it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Jacksonville move
- Weather: Jacksonville has hot humid summers, and warm to mild and drier winters. Seasonal rainfall is concentrated in the warmest months from May through September, when brief but intense downpours with thunder and lightning are common, while the driest months are from November through April. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain during your move.
- 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Florida 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 Jacksonville. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Jacksonville
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Jax", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Jacksonville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Riverside
- Brooklyn
- Baymeadows
- Secret Cove
- South Riverside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beacon Hills & Harbour
- Deercreek
- Oceanway
- Orange Park
- Sandalwood
Things to do in Jacksonville
After settling into your new Florida home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jacksonville has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Jacksonville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, and Mandarin Museum & Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Jacksonville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbus to Jacksonville. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Jacksonville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Jacksonville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Jacksonville take?
The 291-mile journey from Columbus, GA to Jacksonville, FL typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Columbus offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jacksonville.