Factors influencing moving costs from Lafayette to Columbus
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Columbus
Moving from Lafayette to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Lafayette, 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:
Lafayette | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,825 | $1,100 |
Average home value | $214,264 | $157,861 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $50,542 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,785 | $2,041 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,208 | $3,834 |
Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.3% |
Sales tax | 9.45% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 61% lower than in Lafayette, 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 26.3% lower than in Lafayette. - Income in Columbus is 15.0% lower than in Lafayette, 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 14.3% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 8.9% lower than in Lafayette.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 8.62% lower than in Lafayette.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 4.76% lower than in Lafayette.
- State income taxes in Columbus are 29.18% higher than in Lafayette.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,430.25 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Columbus
Columbus | Lafayette | |
---|---|---|
Population | 206,922 | 121,374 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 25 | 42 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 47 |
Crime Index | 72.18 | 45.75 |
Safety Index | 27.82 | 54.25 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 70% greater than Lafayette.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Lafayette's higher score of 3.
- Columbus is less walkable than Lafayette with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 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 Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Lafayette with a score of 72.18 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Lafayette with a score of 27.82 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Lafayette it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in Georgia, itโs time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Lafayette to Columbus?
The best time to move from Lafayette to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Columbus take?
The 502-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Columbus, GA, takes one to six days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.