Factors influencing moving costs from Baton Rouge to Gainesvilletoggle

The cost of Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge to Gainesville can be as low as $1,436 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,632.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baton Rouge, 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 $521 to $1,331. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Baton Rouge to Gainesville

Moving from Baton Rouge to Gainesville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Gainesville is generally more expensive than Baton Rouge, 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:

Baton Rouge Gainesville
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,600
Average home value $213,584 $288,002
Average income (per capita) $60,369 $59,013
Cost of living (single person) $1,638 $1,727
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,941 $3,491
Unemployment rate 7.5% 4.4%
Sales tax 9.5% 7.0%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Gainesville are 28% higher than in Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge.
    Home prices in Gainesville are 34.8% higher than in Baton Rouge.
  • Income in Gainesville is 2.2% lower than in Baton Rouge, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Gainesville, since the cost of living for a single person in Gainesville is 5.4% higher than in Baton Rouge. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 11.4% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 41.33% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Gainesville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Gainesville are 26.32% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • One perk of moving to Gainesville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Baton Rouge.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,163.00 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baton Rouge.

How life is different in Baton Rouge vs. Gainesville

Gainesville Baton Rouge
Population 141,085 222,191
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 37 39
Bike friendliness score 69 44
Crime Index 8.0 2.0
Safety Index 52.61 30.74
Air Quality Good Good
  • Gainesville's population is about 37% less than Baton Rouge.
  • Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Baton Rouge's lower score of 4.
  • Gainesville and Baton Rouge are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Baton Rouge, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Gainesville's crime rate is higher than Baton Rouge with a score of 8.0 compared to Baton Rouge's 2.0. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0%.
  • Gainesville is considered to be safer than Baton Rouge with a safety index of 52.61 vs Baton Rouge's 30.74.
  • Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Baton Rouge it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baton Rouge 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • 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 โ€“ Division of Consumer Services.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Gainesville. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Gainesville

Ready to relocate to "Gainesville"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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

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

  • 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 cityโ€™s Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha 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 Florida Gators (SEC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Baton Rouge to Gainesville?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Baton Rouge to Gainesville?

Because most people are moving from Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge to Gainesville take?

The 590-mile move from Baton Rouge, LA, to Gainesville, FL, takes one to six days. Some Baton Rouge 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