Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Columbus
What to know before moving from Detroit to Columbus
Moving from Detroit 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 Detroit than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Detroit compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Detroit | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,100 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 12% lower than in Detroit, 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 Detroit.
Home prices in Columbus are 115.8% higher than in Detroit. - Income in Columbus is 33.8% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more 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 18.4% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 42.7% lower than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 41.50% lower than in Detroit.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 50.00% higher than in Detroit.
- State income taxes in Columbus are 29.18% higher than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,449.20 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Columbus
| Columbus | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 639,111 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 72.18 | 72.92 |
| Safety Index | 27.82 | 27.08 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 68% less than Detroit.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
- Columbus is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Columbus and Detroit have a similar crime rate.
- Columbus and Detroit are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Detroit it's good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit 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 Detroit to Columbus?
The best time to move from Detroit to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Detroit 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 Detroit to Columbus take?
The 826-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Columbus, GA, takes two to seven days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
