($1,188) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Gainesville costs $733 – $6,191 and usually takes two to eight days. Key factors include your move size, date, and whether you hire pros or do the 1,047-mile drive yourself.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. H2H Movers Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
4. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
5. Reebie Storage and Moving Co.: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Gainesville

When planning a move to Gainesville from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,188 and $4,683. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,613 and $6,191 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,177 to $7,905.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Gainesville

When you’re heading from Chicago to Gainesville, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $847 and $2,046. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,568 and $3,061. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,223 to $4,072. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Gainesville

A moving rental truck from Chicago to Gainesville is generally 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 $735 to $1,395. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $733 to $1,659, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Gainesville costs around $939 to $2,018.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 22% less expensive in Gainesville than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• With home prices differing by less than 5% between Gainesville and Chicago, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 18% less in Gainesville than in Chicago.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Gainesville. The cost of living for a single person there is 53% below that of Chicago.
• A move to Gainesville can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 62% lower compared to Chicago.
• Gainesville has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 51%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Gainesville compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Gainesville’s population is about 95% less than Chicago.
• Gainesville’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Gainesville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Both Gainesville and Chicago have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 69), meaning Gainesville is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• 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.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and Gainesville are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Florida, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Florida, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Florida complete, you can dive right into experiencing Gainesville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Gainesville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.