A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Gainesville or Austin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Austin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Gainesville travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Gainesville and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Gainesville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Gainesville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gainesville or Austin?

Both Gainesville and Austin have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Gainesville can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is the Food Better in Gainesville or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Gainesville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for live music. However, Gainesville is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Gainesville is not a live music destination.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Austin?

Both Gainesville and Austin are good shopping destinations.

Gainesville is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Gainesville or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a moderate city for its scenery and beauty. However, Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Families?

Gainesville and Austin are both good destinations for the whole family.

Gainesville is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Austin is a family-friendly city. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Couples?

Gainesville and Austin are both good to visit as a couple.

Gainesville is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is notable for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Students?

Gainesville and Austin are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Gainesville is a great city to visit as a student. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Is Gainesville or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gainesville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Gainesville or Austin a more walkable city?

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Gainesville is somewhat walkable. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Gainesville Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gainesville and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Austin than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Gainesville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Austin that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Gainesville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Austin.

One day in Gainesville or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Gainesville. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Austin?

Gainesville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Gainesville or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gainesville. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The unconventional city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Gainesville or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Gainesville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Austin, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville than you might in Austin.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gainesville Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Austin, 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Gainesville or Austin?

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 Gainesville or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Austin. The summer months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Gainesville is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

Gainesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Austin. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gainesville or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Austin. The shopping scene are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Should I visit Gainesville or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Austin. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gainesville or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Gainesville during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.

Typical Weather for Austin and Gainesville