Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Columbus, GA
Relocating between Jacksonville, FL and Columbus, GA is a 290 mi drive — 5h 49m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
290 mi · 5h 49m by car · FL → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | FL → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | GA 520, US 17, FL 228 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jacksonville | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.484 | 89.296 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.514 | 89.666 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.332 | 100.0 |
| Services | 109.777 | 61.185 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.2% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Columbus at 89.296 vs Jacksonville at 99.484.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.2% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $282,895 to $173,152 moving to Columbus.
YoY change: Jacksonville -3.1%, Columbus +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jacksonville | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 47.6" | 51.8" |
Expect 7.7°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US, COLUMBUS #2, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jacksonville | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 961,739 | 204,383 |
| Median household income | $66,981 | $56,622 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.54 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.2% lower in Columbus than Jacksonville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,210 | $36,160 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,270 | $24,510 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,950 | $28,800 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,170 | $34,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 7,820 | $65,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Columbus average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Columbus averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Jacksonville vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,622 in Columbus vs $66,981 in Jacksonville — a 15.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Columbus, GA from Jacksonville, FL?
The driving distance is 290 mi and the route typically takes 5h 49m via GA 520 and US 17. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jacksonville to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 290 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Jacksonville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $173,152 in Columbus vs $282,895 in Jacksonville — a 38.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Columbus more expensive than Jacksonville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 10.2% lower than Jacksonville (89.296 vs 99.484, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Jacksonville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,490 in the Columbus MSA vs $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA, on total employment of 113,970 and 740,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jacksonville.
City profiles: Jacksonville, FL · Columbus, GA.