A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Austin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Where Should I go: Gainesville or Austin?

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.

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

Which place is cheaper, Austin or Gainesville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $221, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Gainesville and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Austin? 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.

Hotels in Gainesville


Hotels in Austin


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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $55
  • Private Austin Bergstrom Airport Transfer Charter Bus to Austin: $540

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Gainesville 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Gainesville $70
    Austin $35
Typical Food prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $17
  • Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)
    $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • East Austin Food Tour: $44
  • Secret Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Downtown Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $88
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Taste of Austin Food Tour by Pedicab: $165
  • Austin Downtown Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $44
    Austin $28
Typical Entertainment prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Manatee Tour for Two
    $98
  • 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

Typical Entertainment prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Austin Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Skip the Line: Austin Zoo General Admission Ticket: $19
  • Hauntings in the Heart of Downtown Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • Texas Hill Country Olive Mill Tour & Extra Virgin 101: $20
  • Downtown Austin Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only: $24
  • Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
  • Austin Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour: $25
  • KuneKune Pig Farm Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Austin pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $39
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $60
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $60
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Sip of Austin Brewery Tour: $99
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Brewery Tour: Experience Austin in a Half Day: $125

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Austin?

Austin is bigger, and its population is about 5.4 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the population of Gainesville vs. 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 and the activities 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. 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Austin. 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

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. 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Gainesville

Gainesville Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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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Gainesville vs. Austin Travel Comparison

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