Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Gainesvilletoggle

The cost of Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Gainesville can be as low as $1,331 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,544.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, 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 $478 to $1,166. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Gainesville

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

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

Raleigh Gainesville
Average rent cost $1,670 $1,600
Average home value $431,795 $288,002
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $59,013
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $1,727
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $3,491
Unemployment rate 4.3% 4.4%
Sales tax 7.25% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Gainesville are 4% lower than in Raleigh, 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 33.3% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Income in Gainesville is 2,194.4% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more 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 71.6% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 42.6% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 2.33% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Gainesville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Gainesville are 3.45% lower than in Raleigh.
  • One perk of moving to Gainesville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $852.56 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Gainesville

Gainesville Raleigh
Population 141,085 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 37 31
Bike friendliness score 69 39
Crime Index 8.0 38.87
Safety Index 52.61 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Gainesville's population is about 70% less than Raleigh.
  • Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Raleigh's lower score of 4.
  • Gainesville is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 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 Raleigh with a score of 8.0 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Gainesville is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 52.61 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
  • Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh 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

Now that you've made the move to Florida, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Gainesville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Gainesville, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Gainesville?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Gainesville?

Because most people are moving from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Gainesville take?

The 524-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Gainesville, FL, takes one to six days. Some Raleigh 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