Moving to Georgia: costs, checklist and what to know
Georgia at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Atlanta · capital Atlanta · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Georgia
- Income tax: Georgia taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Georgia Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Georgia's statewide sales tax rate is 4%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Georgia driver's license within 30 days, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Atlanta (about 710 road miles) runs roughly $1,120–$2,160 with a rental truck or $2,540–$5,860 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Georgia
- Licenses come from the Department of Driver Services, while tags and titles are handled by your county tag office.
- Instead of yearly sales or property tax on a car, Georgia charges a one-time title ad valorem tax (TAVT) based on the car's value when you title it. New residents pay a reduced rate.
- Atlanta traffic is heavy. Plan truck routes and parking ahead, and avoid rush hour on the Downtown Connector.
Main cities and metros include Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Athens. Georgia borders Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
How much does it cost to move to Georgia?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Atlanta, the largest city in Georgia. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 890 | $1,310–$2,500 | $2,820–$6,500 |
| Los Angeles | 2,320 | $3,380–$6,400 | $5,110–$11,650 |
| Chicago | 710 | $1,120–$2,160 | $2,540–$5,860 |
| Dallas | 860 | $1,280–$2,440 | $2,780–$6,400 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Georgia moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Georgia
October–November and March–May. Summers are hot and humid, and the coast can see hurricanes.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Georgia new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Georgia: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Georgia?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 710 miles from Chicago to Atlanta costs roughly $1,120–$2,160 if you rent a truck or $2,540–$5,860 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Georgia have a state income tax?
Yes. Georgia taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Georgia Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Georgia?
Georgia's statewide sales tax rate is 4%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Georgia driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Georgia?
October–November and March–May. Summers are hot and humid, and the coast can see hurricanes.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Georgia Department of Revenue and the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.