Georgia to Michigan Moving Guide
Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 1,051 mile interstate move from Georgia to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Georgia vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs cooler climate), food & health (like Peach Cobbler vs Cherry Pie), real estate & housing (antebellum and craftsman vs tudor and mid-century modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Michigan), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Peach Cobbler and Fried Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Cherry Pie & Pasties
- Michigan housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in Georgia
- Rent in Michigan is 20.11% more affordable than in Georgia
- Moving from Georgia to Michigan will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended Georgia to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving
Georgia to Michigan Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Georgia to Michigan
- Hot summers
- Less winter activities
- Allergies from pine pollen
- Occasional hurricanes
- Cooler climate
- Snow sports opportunities
- Lower pollen levels
- No hurricanes
- Harsh, cold winters
- Less regional charm
- Less historical diversity
- Fewer coastal areas
- Warm, mild winters
- Southern hospitality
- Rich cultural history
- Proximity to beaches
Pros of moving from Georgia to Michigan
- Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to a cooler climate
- Look forward to moving away from fewer winter activities and moving to Michigan with snow sports opportunities
- Swap the allergies from pine pollen in Georgia for lower pollen levels in Michigan
- Get ready for no hurricanes in Michigan
Cons of moving from Georgia to Michigan
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm, mild winters in Georgia to live with harsh, cold winters in Michigan
- You'll lose out on the pro of southern hospitality and have to settle for the con of less regional charm
- Time to bid farewell to rich cultural history and get used to less historical diversity in Michigan
- Swap proximity to beaches for fewer coastal areas
Georgia vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Georgia | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Peach Cobbler | Cherry Pie |
Most popular meat dish | Fried Chicken | Pasties |
Most popular street food item | Pulled Pork Sandwich | Coney Dog |
Most popular vegan food | Collard Greens | Tempeh Reuben |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Georgia to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Peach Cobbler of Georgia for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Georgia rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Pulled Pork Sandwich, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Collard Greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Georgia eateries like The Southern Kitchen, Mary Mac's Tea Room, and The Varsity. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Lafayette Coney Island.
When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Georgia. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Michigan compared to what you are used to in Georgia. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Michigan.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Georgia and Michigan
Comparison | Georgia | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum and Craftsman | Tudor and Mid-Century Modern |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | "Hardwood floors, granite countertops" | "Lake access, open concept" |
- The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Georgia is known for will be replaced with the Tudor and Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of Michigan.
- Compared to Georgia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and open concept.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than Georgia.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than Georgia.
- Michigan has an equally urban feel as Georgia.
- Michigan housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in Georgia with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Georgiaβs $327,174.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 64% increase in Georgia.
- Rent in Michigan is 20.11% more affordable than in Georgia.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Georgia and Michigan
Comparison | Georgia | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 89/68 | 81/62 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 52/34 | 31/18 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50 | 32 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 2 | 60 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Georgia to Michigan. Michigan gets 21% fewer sunshine days than Georgia.
- Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Georgia.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Georgia, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 8 degrees colder than in Georgia.
- The average winter lows in Michigan are 16 degrees colder than they are in Georgia.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Georgia.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Georgia and Michigan
Comparison | Georgia | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $72,837 | $66,986 |
Cost of Living Index | 93.35 | 91.2 |
State Income Tax | 5.75% | 4.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.92% | 1.55% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Film, Manufacturing | Automotive, Technology, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate to High |
Homelessness | Low to Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 8% less than in Georgia
- The COLI in Michigan will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Georgia
- The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 5.75% in GA
- The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to moderate in Georgia
- The poverty level is moderate to high in Michigan compared to moderate in Georgia
- In terms of homelessness, it is low to moderate in Georgia and low in Michigan
Political and Religious Climate in Georgia vs. Michigan
Comparison | Georgia | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed, leaning conservative | Mixed, leaning liberal |
Local Politics | Republican stronghold in rural areas | Diverse political landscape |
Religion | Primarily Christian, Evangelical Protestants are significant | Primarily Christian, Catholic presence notable |
- Georgia tends to lean mixed, leaning conservative in its political climate
- Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, leaning liberal
- Michigan's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a notable Catholic presence
- Georgia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with significant Evangelical Protestants
Education Guide When Moving from Georgia to Michigan
Comparison | Georgia | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Georgia Georgia State University Georgia Institute of Technology | University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Brandon Elementary School (Atlanta) Kittredge Magnet School (Atlanta) Austin Elementary School (Dunwoody) | Bates Elementary School (Dexter) Spring Mill Elementary School (Northville) Bemis Elementary School (Troy) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Dodgen Middle School (Marietta) Dickerson Middle School (Marietta) Riverwatch Middle School (Suwanee) | West Middle School (Rochester) Boulan Park Middle School (Troy) East Middle School (Farmington Hills) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Northview High School (Johns Creek) Walton High School (Marietta) Lambert High School (Suwanee) | International Academy (Bloomfield Hills) Troy High School (Troy) Rochester Adams High School (Rochester Hills) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Westminster Schools (Atlanta) Pace Academy (Atlanta) The Lovett School (Atlanta) | Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Westminster Schools (Atlanta) Pace Academy (Atlanta) The Lovett School (Atlanta) | Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) |
Top 3 School Districts | Forsyth County Schools Fulton County Schools Gwinnett County Public Schools | Okemos Public Schools East Grand Rapids Public Schools Birmingham Public Schools |
How Much Do Georgia to Michigan Movers Cost?
Moving 1,051 miles from Georgia to Michigan will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,798 | 300 ft3 | $5.99 |
1 Bedroom | $2,675 | 450 ft3 | $5.94 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,421 | 750 ft3 | $5.89 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,429 | 1100 ft3 | $5.84 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,271 | 1600 ft3 | $5.79 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,340 | 1800 ft3 | $5.74 |
Top Georgia to Michigan Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Georgia to Michigan movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.