($886) Movers From Columbia, SC to Atlanta, GA

What to know before moving from Columbia to Atlanta

Moving from Columbia to Atlanta comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Atlanta is generally more expensive than Columbia, it’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:

• Rent prices in Atlanta are 31% higher than in Columbia, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
  Home prices in Atlanta are 76.0% higher than in Columbia.
• Income in Atlanta is 2.2% higher than in Columbia, 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 60.2% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 83.0% higher than in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 15.38% higher than in Columbia.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the city’s sales taxes in Atlanta are 11.25% higher than in Columbia.
• One perk of moving to Atlanta is paying less in state income taxes, which are 21.57% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,806.75 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Atlanta

• Atlanta's population is about 265% greater than Columbia.
• Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
• Atlanta is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 42 out of 100, Atlanta is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 64.23 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 35.77 vs Columbia's 48.39.
• Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Georgia, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Georgia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Atlanta without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Atlanta

With your sights set on "Atl", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources