Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Columbustoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Columbus can be as low as $1,454 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,321.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, 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 $663 to $1,735. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Columbus

Moving from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Ann Arbor compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ann Arbor Columbus
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,100
Average home value $474,909 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $50,542
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $2,041
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $3,834
Unemployment rate 3.5% 5.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 51% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 66.8% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in Columbus is 24.5% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 6.2% lower than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 28.3% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 51.43% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 50.00% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 29.18% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,813.88 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Columbus

Columbus Ann Arbor
Population 206,922 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 7
Walkability score 25 52
Bike friendliness score 31 71
Crime Index 72.18 31.0
Safety Index 27.82 79.18
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 67% greater than Ann Arbor.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 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 Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 72.18 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 27.82 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Columbus?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Columbus take?

The 811-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Columbus, GA, takes two to seven days. Some Ann Arbor 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