Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to Gainesvilletoggle

The cost of Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Gainesville can be as low as $1,934 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 16,942.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, 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 $1,874 to $5,306. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Gainesville

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

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

Tacoma Gainesville
Average rent cost $1,650 $1,600
Average home value $477,289 $288,002
Average income (per capita) $73,341 $59,013
Cost of living (single person) $4,133 $1,727
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,260 $3,491
Unemployment rate 7.3% 4.4%
Sales tax 10.3% 7.0%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Gainesville are 3% lower than in Tacoma, 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 39.7% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Gainesville is 19.5% lower than in Tacoma, 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 58.2% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 51.9% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 39.73% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Gainesville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Gainesville are 32.04% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes are the same in Gainesville and Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,253.57 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Gainesville

Gainesville Tacoma
Population 141,085 223,968
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 37 54
Bike friendliness score 69 48
Crime Index 8.0 55.55
Safety Index 52.61 44.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Gainesville's population is about 37% less than Tacoma.
  • Gainesville's public transportation has a similar score to Tacoma.
  • Gainesville is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Tacoma, which has a score of 48 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 Tacoma with a score of 8.0 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
  • Gainesville is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 52.61 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
  • Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Tacoma it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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 โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Florida doesnโ€™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.

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 getting comfortable in your new Florida home, itโ€™s time to see what Gainesville is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Gainesville include museums and art 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 2,980-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Gainesville, FL, takes seven to 21 days. Some Tacoma 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