A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Cincinnati for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Gainesville or Cincinnati?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Cincinnati, 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 vibrant, high energy, and active city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Gainesville and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Cincinnati?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Gainesville than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Gainesville, Gainesville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cincinnati is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. Gainesville is famous for being the home of the University of Florida It is also well known for the Florida Museum of Natural History.

How is Gainesville different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Both Gainesville and Cincinnati have very good 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 Cincinnati. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.


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

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Gainesville is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Gainesville. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Gainesville or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Gainesville is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Gainesville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Cincinnati?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Both Gainesville and Cincinnati are nice 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 Cincinnati. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.


Is Gainesville or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Gainesville and Cincinnati are both nice 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.

Cincinnati is a family-friendly city. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Gainesville or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Gainesville is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Gainesville or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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 Cincinnati Better for Students?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Gainesville is well known for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Gainesville is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Both Gainesville and Cincinnati offer nice public transit options.

Gainesville has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Cincinnati has some public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Gainesville or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is notable for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Cincinnati is very walkable. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Gainesville or Cincinnati to fill your time. In our opinion, Gainesville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Gainesville than Cincinnati. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.


  • How many days in Gainesville or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Gainesville or Cincinnati?

With museums and nightlife around the active city of Gainesville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gainesville, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the blue collar city of Cincinnati. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Gainesville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati?

Gainesville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The authentic city of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?

Gainesville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati is $183. 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 Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Cincinnati? 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 Cincinnati


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 Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
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 Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $44
    Cincinnati $26
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
  • Private Snorkeling Tour in Florida Springs: $250

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $7.75
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $19
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati: $25
  • Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati Sights & Stories: $28
  • Haunted Tour in Mount Healthy from Cincinnati: $29
  • Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour: $29
  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Cincinnati, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. And not only is Cincinnati much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cincinnati would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.

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


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati?

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 Cincinnati in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Cincinnati. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gainesville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Gainesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Cincinnati. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the shopping scene.

In October, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 71°F (22°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Cincinnati. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Cincinnati in the Winter?

Both Cincinnati and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. Gainesville is much warmer than Cincinnati in the winter. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Cincinnati in the Spring?

Both Cincinnati and Gainesville during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Gainesville is a little warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gainesville in April average around 69°F (20°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 56°F (14°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Gainesville

Gainesville Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)