Factors influencing moving costs from Olympia to Columbustoggle

The cost of Olympia 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 Olympia to Columbus can be as low as $1,793 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 14,477.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Olympia, 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 $1,893 to $4,704. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Olympia to Columbus

Moving from Olympia 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 Olympia than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Olympia compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Olympia Columbus
Average rent cost $1,895 $1,100
Average home value $508,798 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $66,492 $50,542
Cost of living (single person) $2,473 $2,041
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,391 $3,834
Unemployment rate 5.6% 5.3%
Sales tax 9.4% 9.0%
State income tax 0.0% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 42% lower than in Olympia, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Columbus are 69.0% lower than in Olympia.
  • Income in Columbus is 24.0% lower than in Olympia, 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 17.5% lower than in Olympia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 28.9% lower than in Olympia.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 5.36% lower than in Olympia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 4.26% lower than in Olympia.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 5.49% higher than in Olympia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,475.94 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Olympia.

How life is different in Olympia vs. Columbus

Columbus Olympia
Population 206,922 55,605
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 5
Walkability score 25 39
Bike friendliness score 31 59
Crime Index 72.18 27.95
Safety Index 27.82 62.25
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 272% greater than Olympia.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Olympia's higher score of 5.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Olympia with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Olympia's 39 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 Olympia, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Olympia with a score of 72.18 compared to Olympia's 27.95. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Olympia with a score of 27.82 vs Olympia's 62.25.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Olympia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Olympia vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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 companyโ€™s license in Georgia, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Georgia doesnโ€™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 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

Now that you've made the move to Georgia, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Columbus. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as 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 cityโ€™s Flat Rock Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Olympia to Columbus?

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

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

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

The 2,760-mile move from Olympia, WA, to Columbus, GA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Olympia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.

Helpful moving resources