Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Columbus
What to know before moving from Boston to Columbus
Moving from Boston to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Boston | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,100 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 68% lower than in Boston, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 78.6% lower than in Boston. - Income in Columbus is 43.3% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 57.7% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 66.1% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 14.52% lower than in Boston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 44.00% higher than in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 39.00% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,270.33 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Columbus
| Columbus | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 675,647 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 86 |
| Crime Index | 72.18 | 39.88 |
| Safety Index | 27.82 | 60.12 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 69% less than Boston.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- Columbus is less walkable than Boston with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 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 Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 72.18 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 27.82 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston 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
After settling into your new Georgia home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Boston to Columbus?
The best time to move from Boston to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Boston 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 Boston to Columbus take?
The 1,191-mile move from Boston, MA, to Columbus, GA, takes two to eight days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
