Moving from Atlanta, GA to Richmond, VA
A move from Atlanta, GA to Richmond, VA covers 533 mi and around 10h 11m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
533 mi Β· 10h 11m by car Β· GA β SC β NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β SC β NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 15, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Charlotte, Concord, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Atlanta (100.058) and Richmond (97.858) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $385,599 vs $369,646 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 45.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Richmond gets around 8.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.23 |
Median household income in Richmond is 2.2% below Atlanta ($81,938 vs $62,671, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Richmond, VA from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 533 mi and the route typically takes 10h 11m via I 85 and US 15. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 23.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 4.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 533 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Richmond more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 2.2% lower than Atlanta (97.858 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Richmond, VA.