($1,170) Moving from Chicago to Gainesville

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Gainesville costs $752 to $6,413 and takes two-eight days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,048-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Gainesville to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Gainesville moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Gainesville is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Gainesville.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Gainesville?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,170 - $5,004 $906 - $2,209 $740 - $1,320
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,653 - $6,413 $1,560 - $3,237 $752 - $1,669
4+ bedrooms $4,456 - $8,438 $2,280 - $4,134 $973 - $1,931
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,048 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Gainesville

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Gainesville can be as low as $1,170 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,293.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $740 to $1,840. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Gainesville?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Gainesville will cost between $1,170 to $5,004. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,653 to $6,413, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Gainesville will cost from $4,456 to $8,438.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Gainesville?

Moving containers from Chicago to Gainesville will cost you $906 to $2,209 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,560 to $3,237. A larger home will cost $2,280 to $4,134.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Gainesville?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $740 to $1,320. A larger move will cost $752 to $1,669, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Gainesville costs from $973 to $1,931. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Gainesville

Cost of living: Chicago vs Gainesville

Chicago Gainesville
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,600
Average home value $306,098 $288,002
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $59,013
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,727
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,491
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.4%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent prices are the same in Gainesville and Chicago.
  • Home prices in Gainesville are 5.9% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Gainesville is 10.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Gainesville is 72.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 2.6% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 51.11% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Gainesville are 31.71% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Gainesville are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,175.82 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Gainesville?

Gainesville Chicago
Population 141,085 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 37 77
Bike friendliness score 69 72
Crime Index 8.0 35.19
Safety Index 52.61 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Gainesville's population is about 95% less than Chicago.
  • Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Gainesville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Gainesville is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Gainesville's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 8.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Gainesville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 52.61 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Gainesville

  • Weather: April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Gainesville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Gainesville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Gainesville", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Gainesville.

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Northwest Gainesville
  • Duckpond
  • Haile Plantation
  • Eastside

What to do in Gainesville

These are some of the best things to do in your new Florida home.

  • Butterfly Rainforest
  • Florida Museum of Natural History
  • Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
  • Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
  • Paynes Prairie
  • University of Florida Bat House

Get your sports on!

Gainesville is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Florida Gators (SEC)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Gainesville?

The best time to move from Chicago to Gainesville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Gainesville?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Gainesville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Gainesville take?

The 1,048-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Gainesville, FL, takes two-eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Gainesville.

Helpful moving resources