Factors influencing moving costs from Huntsville to Gainesvilletoggle

The cost of Huntsville 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 Huntsville to Gainesville can be as low as $1,499 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,247.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Huntsville, 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 $493 to $1,262. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Huntsville to Gainesville

Moving from Huntsville to Gainesville means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Huntsville than in Gainesville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Huntsville compares to Gainesville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Huntsville Gainesville
Average rent cost $1,409 $1,600
Average home value $266,736 $288,002
Average income (per capita) $60,959 $59,013
Cost of living (single person) $3,133 $1,727
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,140 $3,491
Unemployment rate 3.1% 4.4%
Sales tax 9.0% 7.0%
State income tax 5.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Gainesville are 14% higher than in Huntsville, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
    Home prices in Gainesville are 8.0% higher than in Huntsville.
  • Income in Gainesville is 3.2% lower than in Huntsville, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Gainesville include University of Florida, Charles Perry Partners, Inc., and CPAmerica.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Gainesville is 44.9% lower than in Huntsville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 15.7% lower than in Huntsville.
  • The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 41.94% higher than in Huntsville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Gainesville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Gainesville are 22.22% lower than in Huntsville.
  • One perk of moving to Gainesville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Huntsville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,653.69 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Huntsville.

How life is different in Huntsville vs. Gainesville

Gainesville Huntsville
Population 141,085 241,114
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 2
Walkability score 37 24
Bike friendliness score 69 40
Crime Index 8.0 42.55
Safety Index 52.61 57.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Gainesville's population is about 41% less than Huntsville.
  • Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Huntsville's lower score of 2.
  • Gainesville is more walkable than Huntsville with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Huntsville's 24 out of 100.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Huntsville, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Gainesville's crime rate is lower than Huntsville with a score of 8.0 compared to Huntsville's 42.55. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55%.
  • Gainesville is considered to be less safe than Huntsville with a score of 52.61 vs Huntsville's 57.45.
  • Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Huntsville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Huntsville vs. Gainesville move

  • 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 โ€“ 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.

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 singles

  • Duckpond
  • Midtown
  • Northwest Gainesville
  • Sugarfoot
  • Suburban Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Northwest Gainesville
  • Duckpond
  • Haile Plantation
  • Eastside

Things to do in Gainesville

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Florida, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Gainesville has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Gainesville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Florida Gators (SEC) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Huntsville 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 Huntsville to Gainesville take?

The 511-mile move from Huntsville, AL, to Gainesville, FL, takes one to six days. Some Huntsville 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