Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Atlanta, GA

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs Atlanta, GA

Pennsylvania Atlanta
Average rent cost $1,110 $1,900
Average home value $268,824 $388,167
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $66,107
Unemployment rate 3% 6%
State income tax 3% 5%
  • Rent is about 71% more expensive in Atlanta than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 44% higher in Atlanta than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 10% lower in Atlanta than in Pennsylvania.
  • Atlanta has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 76%.
  • Income taxes are 79% higher in Atlanta than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in Atlanta from Pennsylvania

Atlanta Pennsylvania
Population 498,715 12,961,683
Political leaning Republican 51-49 Republican 51-49
Summer high 88ºF 83ºF
Winter low 33ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 52" 44"
Annual snow 1" 38"
Crime index 64.23 17.62
  • The population of Atlanta is approximately 96% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, Atlanta voted Republican and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Atlanta is 88ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Atlanta reaches the temperature of 33ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 52 inches of annual rainfall in Atlanta vs 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In Atlanta, it snows about 1 inch annually vs 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • Atlanta has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 64.23 vs 17.62.

Things to do in Atlanta

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Atlanta.

Museums in Atlantatoggle

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
  • High Museum of Art
  • Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  • Hammonds House Museum
  • Atlanta History Center
  • Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Trap Music Museum
  • Delta Flight Museum
  • Waffle House Museum

Parks in Atlantatoggle

  • Sweetwater Creek State Park
  • Freedom Park
  • Stone Mountain Park
  • Grant Park
  • Piedmont Park
  • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
  • Historic Fourth Ward Park
  • Chastain Park
  • Lullwater Park
  • Oakland Cemetery
  • Centennial Olympic Park Atlanta Georgia

Sports Teams in Atlantatoggle

  • Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Atlanta United (MLS)
  • Atlanta Dream (WNBA)

Universities in Atlantatoggle

  • American InterContinental University
  • Clark Atlanta University
  • DeVry University
  • Emory University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Georgia State University
  • Interdenominational Theological Center
  • John Marshall Law School
  • Mercer University)
  • Morehouse School of Medicine
  • University of Georgia
  • Art Institute of Atlanta
  • Atlanta Metropolitan State College
  • Carver College
  • Chamberlain College of Nursing
  • Herzing College
  • Morehouse College
  • Morris Brown College
  • Evangeline Booth College
  • Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Spelman College

Other considerations when moving to Atlanta, GA

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Georgia. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Pennsylvania vs. Atlanta, GA

Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Atlanta, GA:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Pennsylvania vs Atlanta side-by-side.

Pros of living in Pennsylvania Pros of living in Atlanta, GA
Low cost of living Ample economic opportunity
Abundant fun and recreational activities Mild winters
Beautiful landscapes Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Ample economic opportunity Abundant entertainment
Excellent education options Quality education

Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Atlanta, GA:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Pennsylvania for Atlanta.

Cons of living in Pennsylvania Cons of living in Atlanta, GA
Harsh winter weather Terrible traffic
Bad driving conditions Urban sprawl
Nuclear power plants Hot summers
Unpredictable weather Poverty
High taxes on gasoline High crime rate

FAQ

How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Atlanta take?

The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to Atlanta, GA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Pennsylvania, the longer the drive time to Atlanta will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Atlanta from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Atlanta?

Because of the 813-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to Atlanta as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Atlanta, GA?

With the summer highs of 88ºF and the winter lows of 33ºF, most people move to Atlanta from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Atlanta during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources