Moving from Gainesville to Jacksonville, FL
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Quick answer: Moving from Gainesville to Jacksonville costs between $86 to $3,848 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 71-mile route within Florida take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Gainesville to Jacksonville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Gainesville to Jacksonville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Gainesville to driving and unloading in Jacksonville, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 71 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $998 - $3,102 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $828 - $1,556 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $99 - $160 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $156/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Gainesville to Jacksonville?
It costs between $86 to $3,848 to move from Gainesville to Jacksonville. The prices below break down your 71-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $529 - $3,848
- Moving containers: $566 - $1,816
- Rental trucks: $86 - $172
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $529 - $2,617 | $566 - $1,030 | $86 - $140 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $998 - $3,102 | $828 - $1,556 | $99 - $160 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,514 - $3,848 | $1,046 - $1,816 | $114 - $172 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $276 - $2,300+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $156/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $184 - $736 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $184 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Gainesville to Jacksonville
At 71 miles, your Gainesville to Jacksonville move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Gainesville to Jacksonville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 71 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Gainesville to Jacksonville. They've been in business since 2008 (18 years of experience) and 92.0% of their 25 verified reviews are positive.
More Florida moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jacksonville to Gainesville guide.
Considerations when moving from Gainesville to Jacksonville
Cost of living: Gainesville vs. Jacksonville
The cost of living in Gainesville vs. Jacksonville isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Jacksonville compares to what you’re used to in Gainesville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Gainesville | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,520 |
| Average home cost | $234,650 | $262,098 |
| Average income (per capita) | $45,611 | $66,981 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,727 | $2,696 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,491 | $6,605 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Jacksonville are similar to those in Gainesville, so you shouldn't see much change in your budget.
- Home prices in Jacksonville are 12% higher than in Gainesville, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Jacksonville, where average income is 47% higher than in Gainesville — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 56% higher in Jacksonville compared to Gainesville. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Jacksonville, plan for living expenses to be about 89% higher than in Gainesville. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Jacksonville is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is 11% higher than in Gainesville. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Jacksonville are 7% higher than in Gainesville, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Gainesville, you’ll need about $4,680 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Jacksonville.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Jacksonville
Before you move, check out how life in Jacksonville measures up to Gainesville. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Gainesville | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,085 | 971,319 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-36 | Democratic 51-47 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 41ºF | 44ºF |
| Annual rain | 50" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 56.38 |
Jacksonville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Jacksonville has a population roughly 588% higher than Gainesville. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Gainesville and Jacksonville supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Jacksonville and Gainesville have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Gainesville and Jacksonville—with winter lows around 41°F and 44°F.
- Both Gainesville and Jacksonville see similar yearly rainfall—Gainesville averages 50 inches, while Jacksonville gets 50 inches.
- Both Gainesville and Jacksonville receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Jacksonville shows a higher crime rate than Gainesville, with index scores of 56.38 compared to 8.0.
Things to do in Jacksonville
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Jacksonville has plenty to offer:
Museums in Jacksonville
- The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
- Museum of Science and History
- Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve
- Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
- Mandarin Museum & Historical Society
Parks in Jacksonville
- Little Talbot Island State Park
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
- Fort Caroline National Memorial
- Huguenot Memorial Park
- Friendship Fountain
Sports teams in Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities in Jacksonville
- Art Institute of Jacksonville
- Edward Waters College Jacksonville
- Florida Coastal School of Law
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Gainesville to Jacksonville?
Shipping furniture from Gainesville to Jacksonville with a moving company typically costs between $489 and $2,273. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $998 to $3,102. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,514 and $3,848 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Gainesville to Jacksonville?
If you’re planning a move from Gainesville to Jacksonville and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $451 and $1,068. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $828 to $1,556. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,046 to $1,816.
How much is a moving truck from Gainesville to Jacksonville?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $86 and $137. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $99 and $160. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Gainesville to Jacksonville, truck rentals usually range from $114 up to $172.
How far in advance should I book Gainesville-to-Jacksonville movers?
To make your move from Gainesville to Jacksonville as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Jacksonville?
The cheapest time of year to move to Jacksonville is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
