Virginia to Georgia Moving Guide
Updated June 8, 2025

Planning a 512 mile interstate move from Virginia to Georgia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Georgia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Virginia Ham vs Peaches), real estate & housing (colonial vs antebellum, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Virginia Ham and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Peaches & Fried Chicken
- Georgia housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Virginia
- Rent in Georgia is 0.80% more affordable than in Virginia
- Moving from Virginia to Georgia will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
- Our top recommended Virginia to Georgia movers is ARS Movers
Virginia to Georgia Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Georgia
- Higher cost of living
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Harsh winter weather
- High state taxes
- Limited southern culture
- Lower cost of living
- Less crowded roads
- Mild winter climate
- No state taxes on retirement benefits
- Rich southern culture
- Far from major political hubs
- Smaller job market
- Flat landscapes
- Hot summers
- Less historical architecture
- Close to D.C.
- Diverse job market
- Varied topography
- Four distinct seasons
- Abundant history sites
Pros of moving from Virginia to Georgia
- Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
- Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Georgia with less crowded roads
- Swap the harsh winter weather of Virginia for the mild winter climate in Georgia
- Get ready for no state taxes on retirement benefits in Georgia
Cons of moving from Virginia to Georgia
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close to D.C. in Virginia to live far from major political hubs in Georgia
- You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle for the con of a smaller job market
- Time to bid farewell to varied topography and get used to flat landscapes in Georgia
- Swap four distinct seasons for hot summers
Virginia vs. Georgia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Virginia | Georgia |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Virginia Ham | Peaches |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork BBQ | Fried Chicken |
Most popular street food item | Oysters | Boiled Peanuts |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Collard Greens |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | 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 Virginia to Georgia, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Peaches of Georgia. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Oysters, Georgia residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Boiled Peanuts 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 Collard Greens of Georgia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, LeMaire, and Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle House. After the boxes are unpacked in Georgia, don't wait too long before making your way to Georgia's acclaimed eateries like The Varsity, The Fox Theatre - Egyptian Ballroom, and Mary Mac's Tea Room.
When comparing lifestyles, Georgia shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Virginia. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Georgia compared to what you are used to in Virginia. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Georgia.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Georgia
Comparison | Virginia | Georgia |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Antebellum, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to Washington D.C., historic homes | Open floor plans, large yards |
- The Colonial architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Craftsman architecture typical of Georgia.
- Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Washington D.C. and historic homes, Georgia real estate listings often highlight features like open floor plans and large yards.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Georgia is less walkable than Virginia.
- Georgia is similarly bike-friendly to Virginia.
- Georgia has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
- Georgia housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $327,174 compared to Virginiaβs $385,780.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Georgia have increased by 64% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
- Rent in Georgia is 0.80% more affordable than in Virginia.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Virginia and Georgia
Comparison | Virginia | Georgia |
---|---|---|
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, floods | Hurricanes, tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85/64 | 89/68 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 48/29 | 52/34 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 44 | 50 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 10 | 1 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Virginia to Georgia. Georgia gets 6% more sunshine days than Virginia.
- Georgia has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Georgia.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Georgia is 4 degrees warmer than in Virginia.
- The average winter lows in Georgia are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Virginia.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Georgia. Georgia receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Virginia.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Georgia
Comparison | Virginia | Georgia |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $85,873 | $72,837 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 93.35 |
State Income Tax | 5.75% | 5.75% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.82% | 0.91% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.65% | 7.35% |
Top 3 Industries | Government, Military, Agriculture | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | Modest |
Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
Homelessness | Lower | Higher |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Georgia tend to earn about 15% less than in Virginia
- The COLI in Georgia will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
- There's no change in state income tax between Virginia and Georgia
- The affluence in Georgia is modest compared to moderate affluence in Virginia
- The poverty level is higher in Georgia compared to moderate poverty in Virginia
- In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Virginia and higher in Georgia
Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Georgia
Comparison | Virginia | Georgia |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing state, recent lean towards Democrat | Traditionally Republican, recent shifts towards Democrat |
Local Politics | Diverse, urban areas lean Democrat, rural areas Republican | Urban areas, notably Atlanta, lean Democrat, rural areas are strong Republican |
Religion | Christian majority, with a notable presence of other faiths | Strongly Christian, Baptist tradition particularly influential |
- Virginia tends to lean as a swing state, with a recent lean towards Democrat in its political climate
- Georgia, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally Republican, with recent shifts towards Democrat
- Georgia's religious environment can be described as strongly Christian, with the Baptist tradition particularly influential
- Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a notable presence of other faiths
Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Georgia
Comparison | Virginia | Georgia |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Virginia Virginia Tech William & Mary | University of Georgia Georgia Tech Georgia State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington) Nottingham Elementary School (Arlington) Westbriar Elementary School (Vienna) | Morningside Elementary School (Atlanta) Lake Windward Elementary School (Alpharetta) Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy (Columbus) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church) Cooper Middle School (McLean) Rocky Run Middle School (Chantilly) | Davidson Magnet School (Augusta) Dodgen Middle School (Marietta) Riverwatch Middle School (Suwanee) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) McLean High School (McLean) Langley High School (McLean) | Northview High School (Johns Creek) Walton High School (Marietta) Columbus High School (Columbus) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Madeira School (McLean) St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria) The Potomac School (McLean) | The Westminster Schools (Atlanta) Pace Academy (Atlanta) The Lovett School (Atlanta) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Flint Hill School (Oakton) The Potomac School (McLean) Norfolk Academy (Norfolk) | Woodward Academy (College Park) The Westminster Schools (Atlanta) Pace Academy (Atlanta) |
Top 3 School Districts | Fairfax County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Arlington Public Schools | Fulton County Schools Gwinnett County Public Schools Cobb County School District |
How Much Do Virginia to Georgia Movers Cost?
Moving 512 miles from Virginia to Georgia will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,269 | 300 ft3 | $4.23 |
1 Bedroom | $1,884 | 450 ft3 | $4.19 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,108 | 750 ft3 | $4.14 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,512 | 1100 ft3 | $4.10 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,495 | 1600 ft3 | $4.06 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,231 | 1800 ft3 | $4.02 |
Top Virginia to Georgia Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Virginia to Georgia movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.