Factors influencing moving costs from Baton Rouge to Columbustoggle

The cost of Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge to Columbus can be as low as $1,223 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,555.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baton Rouge, 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 $453 to $1,116. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Baton Rouge to Columbus

Moving from Baton Rouge to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Baton Rouge, itโ€™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:

Baton Rouge Columbus
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,100
Average home value $213,584 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $60,369 $50,542
Cost of living (single person) $1,638 $2,041
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,941 $3,834
Unemployment rate 7.5% 5.3%
Sales tax 9.5% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 12% lower than in Baton Rouge, 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 26.1% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • Income in Columbus is 16.3% lower than in Baton Rouge, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 24.6% higher than in Baton Rouge. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 2.7% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 29.33% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 5.26% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 29.18% higher than in Baton Rouge.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,738.10 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baton Rouge.

How life is different in Baton Rouge vs. Columbus

Columbus Baton Rouge
Population 206,922 222,191
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 4
Walkability score 25 39
Bike friendliness score 31 44
Crime Index 72.18 2.0
Safety Index 27.82 30.74
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 7% less than Baton Rouge.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Baton Rouge's higher score of 4.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Baton Rouge with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Baton Rouge's 39 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 Baton Rouge, which has a score of 44 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Baton Rouge with a score of 72.18 compared to Baton Rouge's 2.0. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0%.
  • Columbus and Baton Rouge are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Baton Rouge it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baton Rouge vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Georgia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Georgia doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbus. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Columbus

Ready to relocate to "Lowell of the South["? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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 settling into your new Georgia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts 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 cityโ€™s Flat Rock 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 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 Baton Rouge to Columbus?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Baton Rouge to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge to Columbus take?

The 448-mile move from Baton Rouge, LA, to Columbus, GA, takes one to four days. Some Baton Rouge 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