What to Know Before Moving to Georgia

Moving to Georgia: Cost of Living, Jobs, Housing, and Everything You Need to Know

Georgia has become one of the most sought-after states for relocation, offering big-city opportunities, small-town charm, and everything in between. Whether you’re chasing career growth in Atlanta, looking for coastal living in Savannah, or seeking affordable suburban life in Augusta, Georgia has something for everyone.

Beyond its competitive cost of living and strong job market, Georgia attracts newcomers with its warm climate, vibrant culture, and endless outdoor adventures. Imagine spending weekends hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, kayaking along the Chattahoochee River, or enjoying live music and Southern cuisine in bustling downtown districts.

But moving interstate is more than just picking a city. It’s about knowing what to expect and how to prepare. This guide covers everything you need to know about relocating to Georgia — from housing and job opportunities to cost of living and local resources.

Pros of Moving to Georgia

✔ Competitive Cost of Living: Georgia’s statewide median home sale price is $360,000 — roughly in line with the national median — but cities like Augusta ($200,000) and Savannah ($350,000) offer well below the national average. Rents, groceries, and utilities are also lower than most comparable metro areas.

✔ Strong Job Market: Georgia’s unemployment rate sits at 3.6% (Dec 2025), below the national average. The state is home to major employers like The Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola, and Delta Airlines, with strong growth in healthcare, tech, logistics, and film production. Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country.

✔ Mild Climate: Georgia offers warm summers and mild winters — no heavy snowfall or frozen commutes. If you prefer sunshine over snow shovels, this might be your ideal state.

✔ Outdoor Activities and Attractions: From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Savannah’s beaches, Georgia is perfect for hiking, fishing, and boating. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone who enjoys a scenic weekend escape, there’s something for everyone.

✔ Retirement-Friendly Tax Policies: Georgia does not tax Social Security income, and retirees over 65 can exclude up to $65,000 per person in retirement income. This makes it one of the best states for retirees looking to stretch their savings.

Cons of Moving to Georgia

✘ Hot and Humid Summers: Georgia’s summers are no joke. With humidity levels regularly above 70% and temperatures exceeding 90°F from June through September, it can feel sweltering — especially for newcomers from cooler climates.

✘ Heavy Traffic in Atlanta: Atlanta’s traffic ranks among the worst in the U.S., with commute times 35% longer than the national average. If you plan to live in or around the city, expect significant congestion during rush hour.

✘ Higher Sales Tax in Some Counties: While the state sales tax is 4%, local county taxes can push combined rates up to 9%, making everyday purchases more expensive depending on where you live.

Cost of Living in Georgia

One of the biggest reasons people choose to move to Georgia is its affordability. The state offers competitive housing costs, lower utilities, and more budget-friendly everyday expenses than many other parts of the country.

Housing is the most significant variable. The statewide median sale price is $360,000 (2025 year-end), but that number is heavily influenced by Atlanta. In Savannah, the median home sells for around $350,000, while Augusta comes in near $200,000 — well below the national average. Renters also benefit: one-bedroom apartments in Augusta average around $1,095/month, compared to $1,600 in Atlanta.

Beyond housing, Georgia residents enjoy lower-than-average grocery costs, gas prices, and utilities. One factor to keep in mind is sales tax, which varies by county — the state base rate is 4%, but combined local rates can reach as high as 9%.

Housing Market Trends in Georgia

The Georgia housing market is moving toward balance between buyers and sellers after years of red-hot seller conditions. According to the Georgia REALTORS® 2025 Annual Report, the statewide median sale price held steady at $360,000 (flat year-over-year), while new listings rose 7.8% and available inventory climbed 13.1%. Homes are taking longer to sell — an average of 56 days on market, up 21.7% from the prior year — giving buyers more time and negotiating leverage.

Atlanta remains the most expensive market in the state, with a median sale price around $411,000 (Atlanta REALTORS®, Sept 2025). Savannah’s market is moderating after recent gains, with a median of $350,000 and 88 days on market. Augusta remains one of the most affordable cities in the state at $200,000 median, with homes selling in about 77 days.

For renters, Georgia offers a wide range of price points. One-bedroom apartments in Atlanta average around $1,600/month, Savannah around $1,500/month, and Augusta around $1,095/month — well below Atlanta pricing.

Job Market and Employment in Georgia

Georgia’s job market is strong and diversified. The state’s unemployment rate was 3.6% as of December 2025, below the national average, with nearly 5 million jobs statewide. Healthcare, education, administrative services, and professional/technical services led recent job growth, with private education and healthcare reaching an all-time employment high in late 2025.

Atlanta is the economic engine — a hub for finance, tech, logistics, and corporate headquarters. Savannah’s economy is driven by its deep-water port (one of the busiest on the East Coast), advanced manufacturing, aerospace (Gulfstream), and a fast-growing film and entertainment sector. Augusta anchors its economy around healthcare (Augusta University Medical Center), the military (Fort Eisenhower), and the Savannah River Site.

Corporate giants headquartered in Georgia include The Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, Aflac, Southern Company, and NCR Voyix. The state’s business-friendly tax environment and relatively low operating costs continue to attract relocations and expansions.

Education and Schools in Georgia

Georgia is home to top-rated schools and universities, making it an excellent choice for families with children and individuals pursuing higher education. Strong public school districts are concentrated in metro Atlanta suburbs (Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Forsyth counties), as well as areas of Savannah and Alpharetta.

For higher education, Georgia boasts nationally recognized institutions:

✔ University of Georgia — One of the top public universities in the country, known for business, law, and agricultural programs

✔ Georgia Tech — A leading engineering and technology university, consistently ranked among the best in the U.S.

✔ Emory University — A prestigious private research university, renowned for medicine, healthcare, and law

Georgia also offers the HOPE Scholarship, which covers tuition for Georgia residents with a 3.0+ GPA at public universities — a significant financial incentive for families who plan to stay long-term.

Resources for Moving to Georgia

Relocating to Georgia involves more than just finding a home. You’ll need to register your vehicle, transfer your driver’s license, and enroll in school. Here are official state resources to help you navigate the transition:

✔ Transfer an Out-of-State Driver’s License — Steps to obtain a Georgia driver’s license

✔ Register a Vehicle in Georgia — Information on transferring car registration

✔ Register to Vote — Ensure you’re eligible to vote in Georgia after your move

How to Prepare for Your Move to Georgia

A long-distance move requires careful planning to avoid last-minute stress. Having a detailed moving checklist can help you stay on track and ensure nothing gets overlooked during your relocation.

1. Plan and Organize Early: Book movers at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May–September), to secure availability and the best rates.

2. Declutter Before Packing: Reduce moving costs by donating, selling, or discarding unneeded items before packing. This makes the process faster and more efficient.

3. Consider Professional Packing: Use high-quality packing materials or hire a professional moving company to ensure fragile and valuable items are securely packed for long-distance transport.

4. Update Your Address and Utilities: Set up new service connections before arriving to avoid disruptions with electricity, internet, and mail forwarding.

5. Research Local Regulations: Some neighborhoods, apartments, and condos require moving permits, so check local rules in advance.

Get a Free Quote for Your Georgia Move

Moving to Georgia? Get expert long-distance moving services to make your transition stress-free and affordable. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a fresh start, our experienced movers ensure a seamless experience.