Did you know more than 75,000 people moved to the Atlanta metro area last year? That kind of growth says a lot about the city’s pull — especially for people coming from other large metro areas, like Houston. Whether you’re relocating for job opportunities, different neighborhood options, or a change of pace in daily life, Atlanta has plenty to offer Houstonians without requiring them to leave the South.
If you’re considering moving from Houston to Atlanta, it helps to understand what to expect when you arrive. This guide breaks it all down for you, from cost of living and housing to lifestyle and logistics.
Moving from Houston to Atlanta: How do They Compare?
At first glance, Houston and Atlanta look similar. Both are major Southern cities with strong job markets, diverse populations, and growing metro areas. But the two cities are each unique in their own way. Housing costs, climate, population density, and culture all impact how each city operates.
Fast Facts: Houston vs. Atlanta
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Have you ever heard the term “urban sprawl”? When it comes to Houston vs. Atlanta, the sprawl is a key difference. Atlanta is more centralized, with defined neighborhoods, easy access to parks, and a layout that allows for living closer to where you work or play. Many people moving from Houston to Atlanta appreciate the city’s walkable neighborhoods, strong sense of community, and the way the city feels more connected overall.
On the other hand, Houston transplants moving out of state might miss the lower housing costs, larger homes, and lack of state income tax. The sheer variety of Houston’s food scene is also hard to match. But while daily life there can feel more spread out, it’s also more flexible. Choosing between Houston vs. Atlanta usually comes down to several factors, including your personal preferences.
Cost of Living in Houston vs. Cost of Living in Atlanta
Is it cheaper to live in Atlanta or Houston? The overall cost of living is pretty similar, but there are variables to consider that make an impact.
Houston remains one of the more affordable major cities in the country, thanks to the lack of state income tax in Texas and generally lower housing costs. Compared to Houston, Atlanta tends to run higher across several everyday expenses.
Take a quick look at how the cost of living in Houston vs. Atlanta compares:
State taxes: Texas has no state income tax, while Georgia does, which impacts take-home pay.
Housing: Median home prices and rents are higher in Atlanta.
Groceries: Food costs are 1% higher in Atlanta.
Gas and utilities: Gas and utility prices are 2% higher in Atlanta compared to Houston.
Overall cost of living: Atlanta is generally more expensive, though the gap varies depending on neighborhood and lifestyle.
Considering the cost of living, is $100,000 a good salary in Atlanta? In most cases, yes, especially for renters or dual-income households. The tradeoff is you’ll pay more for location, walkability, and access to Atlanta’s neighborhoods versus getting more space for your money in Houston.
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Atlanta vs. Houston: Other Considerations
Beyond cost of living, several differences in daily life shape how you experience the city after moving from Houston to Atlanta. Both are major Southern metros, but they function very differently in terms of layout, lifestyle, and overall pace.
Atlanta feels more walkable and neighborhood-driven than Houston
Atlanta is built around distinct areas each with its own vibe. The best neighborhoods in Atlanta have their own dining scenes, local hangouts, and cultural spots. You’ll still need a car to get around most of the time, but a lot of daily life in Atlanta neighborhoods happens closer to home.
In Houston, most errands require driving, even within the same neighborhood.
The climate is similar, but Atlanta is greener with more seasonal differences
Both cities have hot summers, but Atlanta’s tree cover and rolling terrain make the heat feel less intense. Houston’s flatter landscape and humidity can make summers feel longer and heavier by comparison.
The fall and winter is also slightly cooler in Atlanta than in Houston, giving residents four distinct seasons.
Atlanta’s culture leans more historic and arts-focused
Atlanta has a strong sense of history, with well-preserved neighborhoods, museums, and cultural districts woven into daily life. The city also has a large arts and film presence. You can see touring Broadway shows, orchestra, and ballet at the Foxx Theater, support independent theater at the Atlanta Film Society screenings, and view the work of great artists at the High Museum of Art.
For history buffs, Atlanta played a critical role in many historic events. Not only are there historic homes and neighborhoods, but museums as well, including The King Center and the Atlanta History Center.
Atlanta’s job market skews toward corporate, tech, and creative roles
Whether you’re moving to Atlanta for a new job or hoping to look for one, there are plenty of choices. Atlanta has strong job growth in industries like tech, film, logistics, and corporate headquarters, where Houston remains heavily driven by energy, health care, and engineering.
For many people, job opportunities play a major role in deciding between Atlanta vs. Houston.
Traffic exists in both cities, but to a different extent
Houston’s traffic is spread across long highway stretches, while Atlanta’s congestion tends to center around major corridors and rush hours.
Neither city is immune to delays, but Atlanta’s layout often means shorter overall distances once you’re inside the city. Plus, the drivers in Houston are some of the worst in the country.
The Cost of Moving from Houston to Atlanta
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Atlanta? It varies according to home size and services needed, but long-distance moves between major cities typically fall within a predictable range.
When moving from Houston to Atlanta, expect to pay around $3,500–$4,500 for full-service movers for an average two-bedroom home. This estimate depends on the following variables:
How much you’re moving (think furniture, appliances, and storage needs)
When you move — summer and end-of-month dates often cost more
Your exact pickup and delivery locations, including whether or not there is limited or stairs
Whether you add additional services such as packing or storage.
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Top Options for Moving from Houston to Atlanta
When moving from Houston to Atlanta, most people choose between handling the move themselves or hiring a full-service moving company. Each option comes with tradeoffs. It’s important to consider your budget, timing, and how hands-on you want to be.
DIY move with a rental truck
A DIY move means exactly that: doing the work yourself. You rent a truck, pack everything, and drive to Atlanta. This option can be more affordable, but with long-distance driving, heavy lifting, fuel costs, and logistics, the costs add up quickly.
Full-service movers
Full-service movers take care of loading, transportation, and unloading, and they often offer packing and other services as well. This is the most convenient option for long-distance moves, especially if you’re relocating a fully furnished house or working on a tight timeline.
While the full-service option costs more than a DIY move, it reduces stress, lowers the risk of damage, and saves time. For many people moving from Houston to Atlanta, the convenience and peace of mind make full-service Houston moving services a great choice.
Planning Your Move From Houston to Atlanta
Making a long-distance move comes with a lot to consider, but having the right plan in place makes all the difference. Once you’ve decided to relocate, the next step is organizing the logistics and making sure your belongings get from Houston to Atlanta safely and on schedule.
Colonial Van Lines has helped thousands of people relocate across the country, handling everything from packing and loading to long-distance transport with care and experience. If you’re planning a move and want a clear, reliable plan in place, get a fast, free moving quote today.