Key factors that impact the cost of your Gainesville to Nashville movetoggle

The cost of Gainesville movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Gainesville to Nashville (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,218, while larger moves may reach $7,301 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Gainesville.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $548 to $1,384, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Gainesville to Nashville

Moving from Gainesville to Nashville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Nashville is generally more expensive than Gainesville, itโ€™s 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:

Gainesville Nashville
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,971
Average home value $288,002 $428,678
Average income (per capita) $59,013 $79,020
Cost of living (single person) $1,727 $3,108
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,491 $8,447
Unemployment rate 4.4% 4.5%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.75%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Nashville are 23% higher than in Gainesville, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 Nashville are 48.8% higher than in Gainesville.
  • Income in Nashville is 33.9% higher than in Gainesville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Nashville include HCA Healthcare, Access Control Systems, and Bridgestone.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Nashville, since the cost of living for a single person in Nashville is 80.0% higher than in Gainesville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Nashville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 142.0% higher than in Gainesville.
  • The unemployment rate in Nashville is 2.27% higher than in Gainesville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Nashville are 39.29% higher than in Gainesville.
  • State income taxes are the same in Nashville and Gainesville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,398.96 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Gainesville.

How life is different in Gainesville vs. Nashville

Nashville Gainesville
Population 689,447 141,085
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 96 37
Bike friendliness score 72 69
Crime Index 49.1 8.0
Safety Index 50.9 52.61
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Nashville is about 389% greater than Gainesville, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Nashville without a car might be more difficult than in Gainesville. Nashville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Gainesville is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Nashville means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Gainesville. Nashville is considered more walkable than Gainesville, with a score of 96 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in Gainesville. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • Nashville and Gainesville are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 72 and 69 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • The crime rate in Nashville is higher than in Gainesville, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 49.1 in Nashville, it is 8.0 in Gainesville. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • Nashville is generally as safe as Gainesville, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Nashville and Gainesville is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Gainesville vs. Nashville move

  • Weather: Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Nashville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Nashville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of the South", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Nashville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Germantown
  • The Gulch
  • Midtown
  • Music Row

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Belmont-Hillsboro
  • Buena Vista
  • Green Hills
  • Lockeland Springs
  • Oak Hill

Things to do in Nashville

After settling into your new Tennessee home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Nashville has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Nashville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, and Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront 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 Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), or Nashville SC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Gainesville to Nashville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Gainesville are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from Gainesville to Nashville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Gainesville to Nashville take?

Moving from Gainesville, FL to Nashville, TN covers 580 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Gainesville movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Nashville.

Helpful moving resources