($1,013) Movers From Charleston, SC to Gainesville, FL

What to know before moving from Charleston to Gainesville

Moving from Charleston to Gainesville means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Gainesville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Gainesville are 36% lower than in Charleston, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Gainesville.
  Home prices in Gainesville are 48.5% lower than in Charleston.
• Income in Gainesville is 5.3% lower than in Charleston, 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 67.4% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 55.8% lower than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 10.00% higher than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Gainesville, since the city’s sales taxes in Gainesville are 22.22% lower than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Gainesville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $977.55 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Gainesville

• Gainesville's population is about 6% less than Charleston.
• Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
• Gainesville and Charleston are similarily walkable.
• With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Charleston, 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 Charleston with a score of 8.0 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Gainesville and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Florida doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Gainesville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Gainesville

With your sights set on "Gainesville", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Gainesville.

Helpful moving resources