Best overall value
Local moving companies in Columbus
- Apple Moving : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- HHG Movers, LLC.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Admiral Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9128
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1934458
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: HHG8757
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2792009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 500159
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Trad Holdings, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 1254788
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Olympia
What to know before moving from Columbus to Olympia
Moving from Columbus to Olympia comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Olympia is generally more expensive than Columbus, it's 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 | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,100 | $1,895 |
| Average home value | $157,861 | $508,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $66,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,041 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,834 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.4% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 0.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Olympia, since prices are typically 72% higher than in Columbus.
- The home prices in Olympia are 222.3% higher than in Columbus, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Olympia, where incomes are, on average, 31.6% higher than in Columbus. Major employers in Olympia include Washington State ESD, The Evergreen State College, and Employment Security Department.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Olympia, since the cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 21.2% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Olympia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Olympia is 40.6% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Olympia is 5.66% higher than in Columbus.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Olympia, since its sales taxes are 4.44% higher than what you are paying in Columbus.
- One perk of moving to Olympia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,634.98 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Olympia
| Olympia | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 206,922 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 39 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 31 |
| Crime Index | 27.95 | 72.18 |
| Safety Index | 62.25 | 27.82 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 73% less than Columbus.
- Olympia offers better access to buses and trains than Columbus, based on public transportation ratings. Olympia has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 2 in Columbus. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Olympia means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbus. Olympia is considered more walkable than Columbus, with a score of 39 out of 100 versus 25 out of 100 in Columbus. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Olympia is considered more bike-friendly than Columbus in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Olympia has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, while Columbus is rated as 31 out of 100.
- Olympia has a lower crime rate than Columbus based on scores of 27.95 and Columbus's 72.18, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Olympia than in Columbus, based on Olympia's safety index of 62.25 versus 27.82 for Columbus. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Olympia and Columbus is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Olympia move
- Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
- 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Olympia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Olympia
Now that you've decided to make the move to Oly, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Bigelow Highlands
- Eastside
- North East
- Bigelow
- South Westside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Woodfield Estates
- Cain Road
- Governor Stevens
- Bigelow
- Carlyon-North
Things to do in Olympia
After settling into your new Washington home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Olympia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Olympia include museums and art centers like the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Olympia?
The best time to move from Columbus to Olympia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Olympia?
With many people choosing to move from Columbus to Olympia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Columbus to Olympia take?
The 2,760-mile move from Columbus, GA, to Olympia, WA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Olympia.
