Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Atlantatoggle

The cost of Columbus 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 Columbus to Atlanta can be as low as $1,446 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,594.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, 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 $523 to $1,318. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Atlanta

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

Columbus Atlanta
Average rent cost $1,441 $1,900
Average home value $238,832 $388,167
Average income (per capita) $65,075 $66,107
Cost of living (single person) $2,784 $3,134
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,249 $7,822
Unemployment rate 5.7% 6.0%
Sales tax 7.5% 8.9%
State income tax 3.5% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Atlanta are 32% higher than in Columbus, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 Atlanta are 62.5% higher than in Columbus.
  • Income in Atlanta is 1.6% higher than in Columbus, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Atlanta include Delta Air Lines, Emory University / Emory Healthcare, and The Home Depot.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Atlanta, since the cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 12.6% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Atlanta, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 7.9% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 5.26% higher than in Columbus.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Atlanta are 18.67% higher than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Atlanta are 56.86% higher than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,377.16 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Atlanta

Atlanta Columbus
Population 498,715 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 48 41
Bike friendliness score 42 48
Crime Index 64.23 49.65
Safety Index 35.77 50.35
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Atlanta's population is about 45% less than Columbus.
  • Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 5.
  • Atlanta is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
  • Atlanta has a bike-friendliness score 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
  • Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 64.23 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
  • Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 35.77 vs Columbus's 50.35.
  • Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Atlanta move

  • Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Georgia, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toAtlanta Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Atlanta

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Atl" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cabbagetown
  • Inman Park
  • Midtown
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Virginia-Highland

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Buckhead
  • Druid Hills
  • North Decatur
  • Poncey-Highland
  • Virginia-Highland

Things to do in Atlanta

After settling into your new Georgia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Atlanta has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Atlanta is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hammonds House Museum, and Atlanta History Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant 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 Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), or Atlanta United (MLS) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbus to Atlanta?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Atlanta?

Because most people are moving from Columbus to Atlanta 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 Columbus to Atlanta take?

The 567-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Atlanta, GA, takes one to six days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources