Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Gainesville
What to know before moving from Charleston to Gainesville
Moving from Charleston to Gainesville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Gainesville is generally more expensive than Charleston, itโs 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:
Charleston | Gainesville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $288,002 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $59,013 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $1,727 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $3,491 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.4% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Gainesville are 83% higher than in Charleston, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Gainesville are 87.4% higher than in Charleston. - Income is the same in Gainesville and Charleston. 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 11.5% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 9.6% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 29.03% lower than in Charleston.
- Sales taxes are the same in Gainesville and 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 $3,344.74 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 | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 141,085 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 2 |
Walkability score | 37 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 69 | 28 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 52.61 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Gainesville's population is about 194% greater than Charleston.
- Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Gainesville is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 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 53.94. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Gainesville is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 52.61 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 companyโs license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Florida doesnโt 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 settling into your new Florida home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Gainesville has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Charleston to Gainesville?
The best time to move from Charleston to Gainesville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Gainesville?
Because most people are moving from Charleston 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 Charleston to Gainesville take?
The 715-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Gainesville, FL, takes one to six days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Gainesville.