---
title: "Moving from Atlanta to Charlotte: Costs, Top Movers & What to Expect"
description: "Planning a move from Atlanta to Charlotte? Real cost estimates, top mover reviews, and neighborhood tips for this 246-mile route."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Atlanta to Charlotte", "Atlanta to Charlotte movers", "Atlanta to Charlotte moving cost", "long distance movers Atlanta", "Charlotte moving companies", "cost of moving to Charlotte", "Atlanta Charlotte relocation"]
---
Moving from Atlanta to Charlotte: Costs, Top Movers & What to Expect
If you're moving from Atlanta to Charlotte, you're working with 246 miles down I-85 — close enough that some people try to knock it out in a single long day, far enough that the wrong mover can turn it into a two-day headache. Costs on this route swing more than you'd expect, so the estimate you get from the first company you call is rarely the one you should accept.
Here's what the move actually costs, which Atlanta-based movers hold up on this corridor, and what Charlotte is going to look like once you land.
Top-Rated Movers for Your Atlanta to Charlotte Move
I looked at local Atlanta operators who regularly handle long-distance moves, filtering by pricing, service range, and what customers say after the job is done — not before. These five rose to the top.
- Atlanta Peach Movers — 4.62 / 5
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. — 4.76 / 5
- 24/7 Moving — 4.52 / 5
- The Armstrong Company — 4.64 / 5
- Falcon Moving LLC — 4.58 / 5
Atlanta Peach Movers
1244 Techwood Dr, Atlanta, GA 30318 65% positive | 32% negative Yelp (368 reviews) | Google (64 reviews) | BBB: A+
4.62 / 5
Most customers describe professional crews who wrap furniture well, communicate clearly, and finish faster than expected. That's the profile of a company that actually invests in training. The downside is real, though — about one in three reviewers reports damaged items, billing surprises, or claims that stalled without resolution. That negative rate is higher than I'd want to see. If you're moving anything irreplaceable, read their liability coverage terms before you sign anything.
Company Info: State license #8292 | DOT #797586 | 26 years in business | Also operates as: Georgia Peach Movers
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage | Accepts cash, money order, credit card | Deposit required
Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.
1700 Oakbrook Dr, Suite A, Norcross, GA 30093 86% positive | 14% negative Yelp (209 reviews) | Google (707 reviews) | BBB: A+
4.76 / 5
Zip has the highest score in this group, and it's earned. An 86% positive rate across nearly 900 combined reviews, with customers consistently calling out efficient moves, careful handling, and communication that holds from quote to delivery. For a company running at this volume, that kind of consistency stands out.
Where they stumble: some customers report final bills that don't match the estimate, and claims support that goes quiet after the truck leaves. At $125/hr, they're not the cheapest option on this list — so get everything in writing and ask specifically about add-on charges before move day.
Company Info: State license #8948 | DOT #3306591 | 9 years in business | $125/hr
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing | Accepts cash, money order, credit card | Deposit required
24/7 Moving
1130 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 95% positive | 4% negative Yelp (105 reviews) | BBB: A+
4.52 / 5
A 95% positive rate is genuinely unusual in this industry — most well-run operations land somewhere in the low-to-mid 80s. The feedback is consistent: fast crews, careful handling, staff who keep you informed. Isolated complaints about damage or pricing surprises show up in the small negative minority, but they're the exception rather than the pattern.
One practical note: 24/7 Moving's listed services lean local, and interstate moves aren't explicitly advertised. Verify directly with them that they can handle the Charlotte route before you commit.
Company Info: State license #500181 | 19 years in business | Also operates as: 24/7 Moving Services, LLC
Services: Local, packing, offices, art, antiques, crating, storage, fragile-only packing | Accepts credit card
The Armstrong Company
6950 Business Court, Atlanta, GA 30340 77% positive | 21% negative Yelp (51 reviews) | Google (198 reviews) | BBB: A+
4.64 / 5
Armstrong has 39 years in the business and handles local, interstate, and international work — the kind of range that works well for a complicated long-distance move. Their coordinators get consistently high marks for communication, and customers who need logistical flexibility tend to appreciate the experience that comes with tenure.
The negative feedback is harder to overlook at 21%: item damage, missed delivery windows, and slow claims resolution come up repeatedly. For a company of this size and age, that's on the high end. If you use Armstrong, build timeline cushion into your planning and document your inventory carefully.
Company Info: State license #206366 | DOT #1170867 | 39 years in business | Also operates as: Armstrong Relocation, Armstrong Companies
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, offices, storage, fragile-only packing | Accepts credit card
Falcon Moving LLC
3014 Shallowford Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341 88% positive | 12% negative Yelp (34 reviews) | Google (1,206 reviews) | BBB: B-
4.58 / 5
Over 1,200 Google reviews with 88% positive is a signal worth taking seriously. Falcon's reputation is built on organized crews who work efficiently and — notably — deliver pricing that matches the quote. That last part is rarer than it should be in this industry.
That BBB grade (B-) is a step below the rest of this list, so read your contract carefully. Complaints center on furniture damage, post-move cost increases, and slow insurance claims when something goes wrong. Nothing disqualifying, but go in with eyes open.
Company Info: State license #8782 | DOT #3154107 | 7 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage | Accepts cash, credit card | Deposit required
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Atlanta to Charlotte?
In Georgia, full-service movers average around $139 per hour on local jobs. For the 246-mile Atlanta-to-Charlotte run, you're priced on weight and distance — so here's what that actually looks like by move size.
Before you call anyone, use our moving cost calculator to set a realistic baseline.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $818 – $2,858 | $556 – $1,363 | $260 – $457 |
| 2–3 BR | $1,513 – $4,387 | $1,030 – $1,867 | $282 – $541 |
| 4+ BR | $1,868 – $5,652 | $1,342 – $2,425 | $355 – $636 |
Ranges reflect a 246-mile move from Atlanta to Charlotte, based on MoveFinders' pricing dataset as of January 2026. Actual costs vary with shipment weight, access conditions, fuel rates, and timing. Get quotes from at least three movers before you decide.
Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Atlanta to Charlotte
Studio or one-bedroom: $818 to $2,858. Two- to three-bedroom: $1,513 to $4,387. Four-bedroom or larger: $1,868 to $5,652. The ranges are wide because crew size, packing add-ons, and your actual inventory all move the number significantly.
Cost of Moving Containers from Atlanta to Charlotte
Moving containers give you control over packing on your own timeline while the company handles transit. For a studio or one-bedroom, that's $556 to $1,363 on this route. Two- to three-bedroom runs $1,030 to $1,867, and four-plus bedrooms land at $1,342 to $2,425.
If you have flexibility on pickup and delivery dates, containers are worth serious consideration here — especially if you're overlapping leases.
Cost of Renting a Moving Truck from Atlanta to Charlotte
Rental trucks are the low-cost option, but you're doing the driving and the heavy lifting. Studio: $260 to $457. Two- to three-bedroom: $282 to $541. Four-bedroom or larger: $355 to $636. Fuel is factored into these estimates.
Worth noting: I-85 through the Atlanta metro in a 26-foot box truck is not a relaxed drive. If you've never done it, build in extra time and patience.
Key Factors That Affect Your Atlanta to Charlotte Moving Cost
- Home size: A one-bedroom averages around $1,081; a four-bedroom can reach $4,597 or more.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season in both markets — expect higher rates and tighter availability from May through August.
- DIY vs. professional: Truck rentals run $260 to $588 depending on size, but the tradeoff is real labor and a full day of driving.
What to Know Before Moving from Atlanta to Charlotte
Charlotte runs about 1% more expensive for singles and 6% more for families compared to Atlanta. Not a dramatic shift, but know it before you set your post-move budget.
| Category | Atlanta | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. 1 BR rent | $1,810 | $1,913 |
| Avg. 3 BR rent | $3,039 | $3,790 |
| Avg. home value | $388,167 | $391,658 |
| Avg. per capita income | $66,107 | $64,814 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $3,158 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,822 | $8,325 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.9% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.5% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation
Here's what the numbers actually mean in practice:
- Rent: Charlotte is more expensive on both fronts — 1BR averages $103 more per month, and 3BR units run about $750 more. If you're upsizing, budget accordingly.
- Home values: Within 1% of each other. Not a meaningful difference unless you're buying significantly more space.
- Income: Atlanta and Charlotte are within 5% of each other on per capita income. Your paycheck won't look dramatically different.
- Family cost of living: Charlotte is 6% higher — real money over a year if you're supporting a household.
- Unemployment: Charlotte's 3.3% rate is nearly half Atlanta's 6.0%. If you're still lining up work, that's a material advantage.
- Sales tax: Charlotte's 7.25% beats Atlanta's 8.9%. You'll notice it on big purchases.
- State income tax: North Carolina's 4.5% rate is 18% lower than Georgia's 5.49% — that's a meaningful difference in take-home pay over time.
Day-to-Day Expenses: Atlanta vs. Charlotte
| Expense | Atlanta | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.80 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.65 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.13 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.96 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food meal | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.00 | $51.90 |
Utilities are noticeably cheaper in Charlotte — $156.99 vs. $200.80 is a $528 annual difference just on that line item. Dining out is cheaper too. The two spots where Charlotte costs more: eggs and gym memberships.
How Life Is Different in Atlanta vs. Charlotte
| Category | Atlanta | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 874,579 |
| Transit score | 8 / 10 | 5 / 10 |
| Walkability score | 48 / 100 | 26 / 100 |
| Bike-friendliness score | 42 / 100 | 31 / 100 |
| Crime index | 64.23 | 46.52 |
| Safety index | 35.77 | 53.48 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
Charlotte is the bigger city by population — 874,579 vs. Atlanta's 498,715 — but Atlanta wins on infrastructure for getting around without a car. Charlotte's transit score of 5 out of 10 is a real step down from Atlanta's 8, and walkability (26 vs. 48) and cycling access (31 vs. 42) both follow the same pattern. If you rely on public transit, this is worth thinking through before you pick a neighborhood.
On safety, it flips the other way: Charlotte's crime index (46.52) is lower than Atlanta's (64.23), and Charlotte's safety index (53.48) beats Atlanta's (35.77). Both cities carry Moderate air quality ratings.
Other Things to Handle Before Your Atlanta to Charlotte Move
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a managed community, check their specific move-in procedures — some restrict days, times, or elevator use.
- Elevator reservation: Book it in advance if your building has one. Finding out it's occupied when the truck arrives costs everyone time.
- Truck parking permits: Some Charlotte neighborhoods require permits for large vehicles. Check local ordinances before move day.
- State licensing: In North Carolina, household goods carriers must hold a "C Number" from the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. It confirms they meet minimum insurance requirements and operate under the state's Maximum Rate Tariff. Verify your mover's credentials before booking.
- Moving permits: North Carolina doesn't require state-level moving permits, but check local parking restrictions at your destination address. File your USPS change of address at least a week before the move.
- Insurance coverage: Released Value Protection is free but only pays 60 cents per pound per item damaged — meaningless for anything valuable. Ask your mover about full-valuation coverage or look into third-party options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to make sure nothing gets missed in the pre-move scramble.
Where to Live in Charlotte
Charlotte has enough distinct neighborhoods that picking the wrong one can shape your whole first year. Here's a starting point based on what most people are looking for.
Best Neighborhoods for Singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best Neighborhoods for Families
- Ballantyne East
- Providence Crossing
- Ballantyne West
- Providence Plantation
- Davidson
- Marvin
- Hembstead
- Tega Cay
- Sharon Woods
- Provincetown
Things to Do in Charlotte
Once the boxes are unpacked:
- Arts and culture: The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center are all worth putting on the list early.
- Outdoor recreation: Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier Park give you solid options for trails, cycling, and fresh air throughout the city.
- Sports: Charlotte fields more professional teams than its size might suggest — the Panthers (NFL), Hornets (NBA), Charlotte FC (MLS), Checkers (AHL), Knights (MiLB), Independence, Eagles, and Lady Eagles all play here.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Charlotte?
Spring and fall. Weather is manageable in both cities, and you're not fighting peak-season demand. If your timeline has any flexibility, avoid June through August.
When is the cheapest time to move from Atlanta to Charlotte?
Winter. Fewer people move in January and February, which means more mover availability and more room to negotiate rates. If you can handle a cold moving day, you'll likely pay less. Our cheap movers guide covers additional ways to cut costs regardless of timing.
How long does a move from Atlanta to Charlotte take?
The 246-mile drive runs about four hours under normal traffic conditions. A full-service move on this route typically completes in one to two days. If you need it done in a single day, ask movers upfront about expedited options — some can accommodate it; others can't.
Are there special discounts available from Atlanta movers?
Some offer them. Three Atlanta movers on this route provide military discounts, and three extend reduced rates to seniors. These aren't always posted publicly, so ask directly when you're gathering quotes.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Atlanta?
Yes — 31 Atlanta movers handle piano relocations, and 28 are set up for antique transport. Across Georgia, there are 54 piano movers and 39 antique movers. Always confirm the mover's specific experience with specialty items and ask about their packing methods before you commit.
Get quotes from at least three Atlanta movers before you book. Prices on this route vary more than most people expect, and a few phone calls can save you several hundred dollars. Use our moving cost calculator to set a realistic baseline before the estimates start coming in.
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