Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Austin to Columbus
What to know before moving from Austin to Columbus
Moving from Austin 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 Austin than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Austin compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Austin | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $1,100 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 38% lower than in Austin, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 69.0% lower than in Austin. - Income in Columbus is 26.0% lower than in Austin, so you could earn less 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 39.0% lower than in Austin. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 50.9% lower than in Austin.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 51.43% higher than in Austin.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 9.09% higher than in Austin.
- State income taxes in Columbus are 5.49% higher than in Austin.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,830.49 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. Columbus
| Columbus | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 974,447 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 54 |
| Crime Index | 72.18 | 42.91 |
| Safety Index | 27.82 | 59.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 79% less than Austin.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Austin's higher score of 5.
- Columbus is less walkable than Austin with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Austin's 42 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 Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 72.18 compared to Austin's 42.91. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 27.82 vs Austin's 59.87.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Austin it's good.
Other things to consider for your Austin vs. Columbus move
- Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 companyโs license in Georgia, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Georgia doesnโt 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 Columbus 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 Columbus
With your sights set on "Lowell of the South[", these are some of the most popular 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 Austin to Columbus?
The best time to move from Austin to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Austin 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 Austin to Columbus take?
The 875-mile move from Austin, TX, to Columbus, GA, takes two to seven days. Some Austin movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
