Which place is cheaper, Gainesville or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. Gainesville for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Destin or Gainesville?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Gainesville can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Gainesville?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $192Gainesville $221
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $192, while the average daily cost in Gainesville is $221. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Destin and Gainesville in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Gainesville $119
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Gainesville $238
Compare Hotels in Destin and Gainesville
Looking for a hotel in Destin or Gainesville? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Destin Hotel Prices and Gainesville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Gainesville $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport One Way Transfer: $119
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gainesville
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gainesville:
- Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $398
- Private Transfer from Gainesville to Port Canaveral: $579
- Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $594
Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Gainesville?
Prices for flights to both Gainesville and Destin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDestin $51Gainesville $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $121
- 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $121
- Sunset Island Dinner -- A Top Ten Area Attraction: $575
Typical Food prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:
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Diner Breakfast for Two$17
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Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)$24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Destin $17Gainesville $44
Typical Entertainment prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Flippers Adventures Dolphin Cruise: $25
- 30A Axe Throwing Experience in Santa Rosa Beach: $30
- Thursday Night Firework Tour in Destin Harbor: $38
- Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor: $40
- Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise: $40
- Hydrojet Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico Tour in Destin: $40
- Stand Up Paddle Board Adventures in Destin and Fort Walton Beach: $44
- Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching Cruise: $45
- Destin Harbor & Crab Island Sunset & Harbor tour: $50
- Flippers Adventures 2 Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise: $50
- Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin Harbor: $52
- Sunset and Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin: $59
Typical Entertainment prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:
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Manatee Tour for Two$98
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Tour Guide Tip$5.00
Tours and Activities in Gainesville
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gainesville are as follows:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10
- Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $15
- Private Snorkeling Tour in Florida Springs: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Gainesville $49
When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Gainesville, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Gainesville?
Gainesville is bigger, and its population is about 10.4 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the population of Destin vs. Gainesville, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Destin or Gainesville?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Destin or Gainesville in the Summer?
Both Gainesville and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
Destin is around the same temperature as Gainesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Gainesville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gainesville. It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Gainesville. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Gainesville 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Destin or Gainesville in the Autumn?
Both Gainesville and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Destin is around the same temperature as Gainesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Gainesville averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Gainesville. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Gainesville 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Destin or Gainesville in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Gainesville. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Destin is generally cooler than Gainesville. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Gainesville fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Gainesville. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Gainesville 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Destin or Gainesville in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Gainesville. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Destin is around the same temperature as Gainesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Gainesville fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
Destin usually gets more rain in April than Gainesville. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Gainesville 69°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Gainesville and Destin
| Destin | Gainesville | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (139 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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