Moving from Concord, NC to Atlanta, GA
The 260 mi from Concord to Atlanta translate to about 5h 6m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
260 mi · 5h 6m by car · GA → SC → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | GA → SC → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 29, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Atlanta and Concord is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Concord and Atlanta are within 5% of each other ($382,592 vs $385,599 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -1.9%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Concord | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 29°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.3" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 48.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Concord (60.7°F) and Atlanta (62.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CONCORD, NC US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,518 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $84,752 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.3% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.16 |
Median household incomes in Concord ($84,752) and Atlanta ($81,938) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Atlanta average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Concord to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 260 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 2.8% higher than Concord (100.058 vs 97.348, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $84,752 in Concord — a 3.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $382,592 in Concord — a 0.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $47,830 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Atlanta, GA from Concord, NC?
The driving distance is 260 mi and the route typically takes 5h 6m via I 85 and US 29. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Concord.
City profiles: Concord, NC · Atlanta, GA.