Factors that influence moving costs from Gainesville to Myrtle Beachtoggle

The cost of Gainesville movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach might cost as little as $1,163, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,039.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Gainesville, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $426 to $1,014. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach

Moving from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Myrtle Beach is generally more expensive than Gainesville, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Gainesville Myrtle Beach
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,850
Average home value $288,002 $299,556
Average income (per capita) $59,013 $53,985
Cost of living (single person) $1,727 $2,388
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,491 $4,791
Unemployment rate 4.4% 7.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.0%
State income tax 0.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Myrtle Beach are 16% higher than in Gainesville, 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 Gainesville.
    Home prices in Myrtle Beach are 4.0% higher than in Gainesville.
  • Income in Myrtle Beach is 8.5% lower than in Gainesville, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Myrtle Beach include Grand Strand Medical Center, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, and Sands Resorts.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Myrtle Beach, since the cost of living for a single person in Myrtle Beach is 38.3% higher than in Gainesville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Myrtle Beach, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Myrtle Beach is 37.2% higher than in Gainesville.
  • The unemployment rate in Myrtle Beach is 72.73% higher than in Gainesville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Myrtle Beach, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Myrtle Beach are 28.57% higher than in Gainesville.
  • State income taxes in Myrtle Beach are 7.00% higher than in Gainesville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,148.23 in Myrtle Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Gainesville.

How life is different in Gainesville vs. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Gainesville
Population 35,682 141,085
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 43 37
Bike friendliness score 54 69
Crime Index 58.06 8.0
Safety Index 41.94 52.61
Air Quality Good Good
  • Myrtle Beach's population is about 75% less than Gainesville.
  • Myrtle Beach's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Gainesville's higher score of 6.
  • Myrtle Beach is more walkable than Gainesville with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Gainesville's 37 out of 100.
  • Myrtle Beach has a bike-friendliness score 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Gainesville, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
  • Myrtle Beach's crime rate is higher than Gainesville with a score of 58.06 compared to Gainesville's 8.0. This means that Myrtle Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
  • Myrtle Beach is considered to be less safe than Gainesville with a score of 41.94 vs Gainesville's 52.61.
  • Air quality in Myrtle Beach is good, and in Gainesville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Gainesville vs. Myrtle Beach move

  • Weather: May, October and April are the most pleasant months in Myrtle Beach and ideal time to move. Heat can be a main consideration you might want to look at when you're deciding to move to Myrtle Beach.
  • 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina 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 Myrtle Beach. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Myrtle Beach

Now that you've decided to make the move to "New Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Myrtle Beach.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • The Market Common
  • Carolina Forest
  • Grande Dunes
  • Pine Lakes
  • Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Carolina Forest
  • The Market Common
  • Grande Dunes
  • Forestbrook
  • Barefoot Resort

Things to do in Myrtle Beach

After settling into your new South Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Myrtle Beach has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Myrtle Beach is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Hollywood Wax Museum, Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, Wheels of Yesteryear, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Myrtle Beach State Park, Grand Strand, Savannah's Playground, and Horry County Bike Run Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Carolina League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Gainesville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Gainesville to Myrtle Beach take?

The 421-mile journey from Gainesville, FL to Myrtle Beach, SC typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Gainesville offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Myrtle Beach.

Helpful moving resources