Factors influencing moving costs from Chapel Hill to Gainesvilletoggle

The cost of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Gainesville can be as low as $1,322 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,253.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chapel Hill, 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 $512 to $1,318. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Gainesville

Moving from Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill than in Gainesville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Chapel Hill Gainesville
Average rent cost $1,950 $1,600
Average home value $592,460 $288,002
Average income (per capita) $65,621 $59,013
Cost of living (single person) $2,248 $1,727
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,790 $3,491
Unemployment rate 3.2% 4.4%
Sales tax 7.5% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Gainesville are 18% lower than in Chapel Hill, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Gainesville are 51.4% lower than in Chapel Hill.
  • Income in Gainesville is 10.1% lower than in Chapel Hill, 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 23.2% lower than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 27.1% lower than in Chapel Hill.
  • The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 37.50% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Gainesville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Gainesville are 6.67% lower than in Chapel Hill.
  • One perk of moving to Gainesville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chapel Hill.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,304.72 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Gainesville

Gainesville Chapel Hill
Population 141,085 63,764
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 37 34
Bike friendliness score 69 50
Crime Index 8.0 26.42
Safety Index 52.61 73.58
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Gainesville's population is about 121% greater than Chapel Hill.
  • Gainesville's public transportation has a similar score to Chapel Hill.
  • Gainesville and Chapel Hill are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Chapel Hill, which has a score of 50 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 Chapel Hill with a score of 8.0 compared to Chapel Hill's 26.42. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
  • Gainesville is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 52.61 vs Chapel Hill's 73.58.
  • Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Chapel Hill it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Florida, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toGainesville Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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.

Where to live in Gainesville

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Gainesville" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Gainesville to check out.

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 Chapel Hill to Gainesville?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Gainesville?

Because most people are moving from Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Gainesville take?

The 551-mile move from Chapel Hill, NC, to Gainesville, FL, takes one to six days. Some Chapel Hill 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