Memphis, TN to Columbus, GA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Columbus typically costs $2,000–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 415 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Memphis to Columbus
Moving from Memphis, TN to Columbus, GA typically costs $2,000–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 415-mile move from Memphis to Columbus, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,502 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,772 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,998 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Mar 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 26, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 24, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Memphis to Columbus move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,000 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Memphis.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $1,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbus, GA to Memphis, TN guide.
Best Memphis to Columbus movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Memphis to Columbus
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Memphis to Columbus much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TN→GA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 71 Tennessee movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Memphis to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Columbus runs about 11% higher for singles and -13% higher for families than Memphis.
Singles spend around $2,041 in Columbus versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $3,834 compared with $4,402.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Memphis | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,187 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,571 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $143,715 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,842 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,402 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
- When relocating from Memphis to Columbus, expect to find rent about 15% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Columbus are about 10% higher than those in Memphis.
- In terms of average income, Columbus and Memphis are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Columbus, as living costs for a single person are 11% higher than in Memphis. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- A move to Columbus can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 13% less than what it costs in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is about 34% lower than in Memphis. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 8% less in Columbus relative to Memphis. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Georgia has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Memphis and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Memphis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $213.78 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.67 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Memphis than in Columbus.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Memphis than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Memphis than in Columbus.
- Bread costs less in Memphis than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Memphis than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Memphis than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Memphis than in Columbus.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Columbus
| Memphis | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 31 |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 22.51 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 67% less than Memphis.
- Columbus's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Memphis's score of 4.
- Columbus is less walkable than Memphis with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Memphis, which has a score of 41.
- Columbus's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 72.18 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 27.82 vs Memphis's 22.51.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Memphis it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Georgia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'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: 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbus
Planning your move to The Lowell of the South[? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Flat Rock Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Columbus?
Planning your move from Memphis to Columbus? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Memphis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Memphis 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 Memphis to Columbus take?
The 415-mile journey from Memphis, TN to Columbus, GA, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Memphis offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Memphis?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Memphis, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Tennessee has 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
