Moving from California to Georgia
Families and young professionals alike are moving from California to Georgia in search of a high quality of life without the coastal price tag. It’s not hard to see why: Georgia offers a cost of living up to 50% lower than California metros, without sacrificing career mobility and cultural diversity.
From urban Atlanta to historic Savannah, Allied Van Lines can make your cross-country move simple. Learn more about our custom moving services and request a free, no-obligation quote to get started.
What’s Included in Your Move
Relocating across the country isn’t as simple as taking a road trip. Planning, logistics, and careful budgeting can be the difference between never-ending headaches and smooth sailing.
When moving from California to Georgia with Allied, a dedicated relocation coordinator will help you build a plan that fits your needs. Our options include full-service packing, loading, and secure state-to-state transportation. We offer specialized crating for fragile items and provide moving valuation coverage to protect your belongings.
Benefits of Moving from California to Georgia
Not sure if you’re ready to commit to a cross-country move? Here are some of the benefits that await you in the Peach State.
Cost of Living
While California is much larger, with a huge variety of economic zones, the cost of living in Georgia is 17.3% cheaper than in California overall. The average home cost in California is $689,500 in California, compared to $259,000 in Georgia — a 62% drop.
Transportation (gas, vehicle maintenance, etc.) in Georgia is 26% cheaper than in California, to say nothing of the significant difference in freeway congestion. Food and groceries are also cheaper by 5.1%.
Weather
Much like California, Georgia has a pretty favorable climate, with average highs around 78 degrees. Winters are typically mild with occasional snowstorms. You won't get to experience four entirely distinct seasons in Georgia, but the weather is more varied than California’s.
Outdoor Activities
The lush landscapes of Georgia make it a great place to spend time outdoors. Explore the many waterways, especially the Chattahoochee River, via floaties, rafts, and canoes, or try whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River.
The iconic Stone Mountain hike offers scenic views of Atlanta, while the view from historic Lookout Mountain allows you to look over seven states at once.
Excellent Education
Georgia ranks first in the country for connecting the public school system with early learning, higher education, and preparation for the real world, and 17th in the nation in overall K–12 achievement.
Innovation in the school system is highly encouraged. The state received a $400 million Race to the Top grant that has allowed 26 school districts to reform in the best interests of students.
Middle and high schools in Georgia offer technical and career education for students who choose not to attend college after graduation. The state has a Career Pathways initiative that allows students to get real-world exposure through hands-on learning. Georgia also allocates funds for a statewide gifted and talented education program.
Most Popular Cities to Live in Georgia
Much like California, some Georgia metro areas draw more attention than others. Let's take a look at three of the most popular cities in Georgia:
Atlanta
Atlanta is the state’s economic and cultural hub. It’s home to many Fortune 500 companies and a thriving film industry, as well as world-class dining, professional sports, and expansive green spaces like Piedmont Park. There’s a reason it’s the most popular destination for moving companies going from California to Georgia!
Learn more about moving to Atlanta.
Augusta
Famous for hosting the Masters Golf Tournament, Augusta offers a more relaxed pace of life along the Savannah River. But that doesn’t mean it’s been left behind. The Augusta area is a hub for cutting-edge cybersecurity and medical industries. The city’s historic architecture and lower cost of living compared to major California metros make it an attractive destination for families.
Learn more about moving to Augusta.
Savannah
Savannah is beloved for its cobblestone streets, manicured squares, and trees draped in Spanish moss. This coastal city offers a unique blend of history and modern art, largely influenced by the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Learn more about moving to Savannah.
Cost of Moving from California to Georgia
When choosing a long-distance moving company in California, request a few quotes upfront to compare prices and services. A typical total moving cost for a three-bedroom home from California moving companies might range from $6,000 to $18,000 from beginning to end. The average linehaul moving cost from California to Georgia with Allied is $10,000.
However, this number doesn’t factor in how many belongings you need to move or the exact distance you’ll be going. For a more accurate estimate, fill out our free quote form.
How to Move from California to Georgia
The first step in moving across the country is to set a budget. While you can estimate moving costs to Georgia, there are more factors than meet the eye. We recommend requesting quotes from several trusted moving companies to get a better idea of your real costs. That’ll help you decide whether DIY or professional movers are the better option.
Next, schedule your move for late spring or early fall, if possible. Moving in these times will help you avoid peak moving season, as well as the hottest weather in both states. Check with moving companies near you early to avoid getting locked out of preferred times.
Start organizing your belongings. Throw out or donate anything you don’t need to cut down on moving costs and packing time.
Sound overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be. Allied Van Lines will help you manage the entire process, from pricing to packing. You just get on down to Georgia — we’ll handle everything else!
Why Allied Van Lines?
Allied Van Lines is the largest mover network in the world. Since 1928, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of families, individuals, and businesses achieve seamless relocations across the country and around the world.
To this day, we maintain an exceptional 96% satisfaction rate. As a premier long-distance moving company in California, we provide comprehensive estimates, 24/7 customer service, real-time tracking, and dedicated moving specialists to help you with every aspect of your relocation.
Request a free quote today to get started.
FAQs About Moving from California to Georgia
Is Georgia an expensive place to live?
Generally, Georgia offers a significantly lower cost of living than California. Georgia’s cost of living index sits around 88.8–92.5, well below the national average of 100, while California’s ranges from 138–144. Moving from California to Georgia can offer more affordable housing and lower daily expenses for those relocating.
When is the best time to move to Georgia?
Late spring and early autumn are ideal times for a cross-country move to Georgia. These windows help avoid Georgia’s intense summer humidity and occasional winter snowstorms.
What should I know before moving to Georgia?
Georgia features a humid subtropical climate, a far cry from the Mediterranean climate of coastal California. Prepare for air-conditioned summers, and you may want to stock up on winter clothes and a windshield ice scraper for the occasional blizzard. Additionally, prepare for a slower pace of life with an emphasis on Southern hospitality.
Is Georgia a good place to live?
Georgia is a popular moving destination due to its diverse (mountain, agricultural, and coastal) landscapes, growing economy, and high-quality education. It offers metropolitan centers and quiet suburban areas, making it popular with families and young professionals.
What industries are strong in Georgia?
Georgia has a powerhouse economy driven by logistics, agriculture, and aerospace. It’s also a global leader in finance and film production. Multiple Fortune 500 employers like Delta Air Lines, Aflac, The Home Depot, UPS, and Coca-Cola are headquartered here.