Movers

California to Georgia Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 2,466 mile interstate move from California to Georgia? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Georgia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower living expenses), food & health (like Sourdough Bread vs Peach Cobbler), real estate & housing (modern, spanish vs traditional, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Sourdough Bread and Tripas Tacos, but get your taste buds ready for Peach Cobbler & Fried Chicken
  • Georgia housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Georgia is 33.41% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Georgia will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
  • Our top recommended California to Georgia movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

California to Georgia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Georgia

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Droughts
  • Wildfires
  • Earthquakes
ProsGeorgia iconGeorgia
  • Lower living expenses
  • Easier commutes
  • Plentiful rain
  • Less wildfire risk
  • More stable ground

Georgia iconGeorgia
  • Hot and humid summers
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer university options
  • Limited coastal access
  • Fewer tech jobs
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild climate
  • Diverse culture
  • Renowned universities
  • Beaches
  • Tech industry

Pros of moving from California to Georgia

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower living expenses
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Georgia with easier commutes
  • Swap the droughts of California for plentiful rain in Georgia
  • Get ready for less wildfire risk in Georgia

Cons of moving from California to Georgia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in California to live with hot and humid summers in Georgia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle with the con of less cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to renowned universities and get used to fewer university options in Georgia
  • Swap beaches for limited coastal access

California vs. Georgia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaGeorgia
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadPeach Cobbler
Most popular meat dishTripas TacosFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemFish TacosPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBoiled Peanuts
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Grey
  • Mary Mac's Tea Room
  • The Varsity
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from California to Georgia, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Peach Cobbler of Georgia. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tripas Tacos and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Georgia residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Boiled Peanuts of Georgia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, Nopalito, and Spago Beverly Hills. After the boxes are unpacked in Georgia, don't wait too long before making your way to Georgia's acclaimed eateries like The Grey, Mary Mac's Tea Room, and The Varsity.

When comparing lifestyles, Georgia shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Georgia compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Georgia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Georgia

ComparisonCaliforniaGeorgia
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishTraditional, Colonial
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor living spaces, Sustainable featuresLarge yards, Historic details
  • The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Colonial architecture typical of Georgia.
  • Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor living spaces and sustainable features, Georgia real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and historic details.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Georgia is less walkable than California.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Georgia is less bike-friendly than California.
  • Georgia has less of an urban feel than California.
  • Georgia housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $327,174 compared to California’s $783,666.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Georgia have increased by 64% compared to a 42% increase in California.
  • Rent in Georgia is 33.41% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Georgia

ComparisonCaliforniaGeorgia
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresThunderstorms, Hurricanes
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/60Β°F90Β°F/70Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)55Β°F/45Β°F55Β°F/33Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0-51-2
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Georgia. Georgia gets 23% fewer sunshine days than California.
  • Georgia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential thunderstorms and hurricanes in Georgia.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Georgia is 5 degrees warmer than in California.
  • The average winter lows in Georgia are 12 degrees colder than those in California.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Georgia. Georgia receives 28 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Georgia

ComparisonCaliforniaGeorgia
Avg. Household Income$91,551$72,837
Cost of Living Index136.493.35
State Income Tax13.3%5.75%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%0.91%
Avg. Sales Tax7.25%7.00%
Top 3 IndustriesTech, Entertainment, AgricultureAgriculture, Film, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessSignificantMinor
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Georgia tend to earn about 20% less than in California
  • The COLI in Georgia is 32% lower than what you are used to living in California
  • The state income tax in GA is 5.75% compared to 13.3% in CA
  • The affluence in Georgia is moderate compared to high in California
  • The poverty level is moderate in Georgia compared to moderate in California
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and minor in Georgia

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Georgia

ComparisonCaliforniaGeorgia
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic MajorityMixed, with Conservative/Republican Leaning
Local PoliticsLocal governments often lean progressiveVaries, with urban areas being more liberal and rural areas more conservative
ReligionMore religiously unaffiliated individualsHigher percentage of residents identifying as Christian
  • California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic Majority in its political climate
  • Georgia, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with Conservative/Republican Leaning
  • Georgia's religious environment can be described as a higher percentage of residents identifying as Christian
  • California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having more religiously unaffiliated individuals

Education Guide When Moving from California to Georgia

ComparisonCaliforniaGeorgia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of California
Stanford University
California State University
University of Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsGlenwood Elementary (San Rafael)
William Faria Elementary (Cupertino)
Millikin Elementary (Santa Clara)
Brandon Elementary (Atlanta)
Britt David Elementary (Columbus)
Garrison Mill Elementary (Marietta)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMill Valley Middle (Mill Valley)
Egan Junior High (Los Altos)
Redwood Middle (Saratoga)
Dodgen Middle (Marietta)
Davidson Magnet School (Augusta)
River Trail Middle (Johns Creek)
Top 3 High School SchoolsHenry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Troy High (Fullerton)
Whitney High (Cerritos)
Northview High (Johns Creek)
Walton High (Marietta)
Columbus High (Columbus)
Top 3 private high schoolsHarvard-Westlake (Studio City)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Stanford Online High School (Online/San Francisco)
Pace Academy (Atlanta)
Westminster Schools (Atlanta)
Lovett School (Atlanta)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)
Head-Royce School (Oakland)
Atlanta International School (Atlanta)
Savannah Country Day School (Savannah)
Woodward Academy (College Park)
Top 3 School DistrictsPalo Alto Unified
San Marino Unified
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union
Fulton County Schools
Forsyth County Schools
Decatur City Schools

How Much Do California to Georgia Movers Cost?

Moving 2,466 miles from California to Georgia will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,601300 ft3$8.67
1 Bedroom$3,878450 ft3$8.62
2 Bedrooms$6,426750 ft3$8.57
3 Bedrooms$9,3701100 ft3$8.52
4 Bedrooms$13,5491600 ft3$8.47
5+ Bedrooms$15,1531800 ft3$8.42

Top California to Georgia Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Georgia movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Georgia

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. featured image

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details

Fremont to Georgia

San Bernardino to Georgia

Modesto to Georgia

Fontana to Georgia

Moreno Valley to Georgia

Santa Clarita to Georgia

Oxnard to Georgia

Glendale to Georgia

Huntington Beach to Georgia

Ontario to Georgia

Rancho Cucamonga to Georgia

Santa Rosa to Georgia

Oceanside to Georgia

Elk Grove to Georgia

Garden Grove to Georgia

Corona to Georgia

Hayward to Georgia

Lancaster to Georgia

Salinas to Georgia

Palmdale to Georgia

Sunnyvale to Georgia

Pomona to Georgia

Escondido to Georgia