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

Should you visit Gainesville or Cleveland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Cleveland, 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Gainesville and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Cleveland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cleveland than Gainesville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cleveland is more popular for its music, while Gainesville is known for its food and nightlife. Cleveland is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. It is also home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Cleveland

Both Gainesville and Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


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

Gainesville
Cleveland

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Gainesville or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Cleveland

Gainesville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Gainesville has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Gainesville or Cleveland Better for Music?

Gainesville
Cleveland

Cleveland is notable for live music. However, Gainesville is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Gainesville is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Cleveland?

Gainesville
Cleveland

Both Gainesville and Cleveland 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 Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Gainesville or Cleveland Better for Families?

Gainesville
Cleveland

Gainesville and Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Gainesville or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Cleveland

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.


Is Gainesville or Cleveland Better for Students?

Gainesville
Cleveland

Gainesville is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

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.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Gainesville
Cleveland

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Gainesville or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Cleveland

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good 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.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.


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

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Cleveland?

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

Families should spend more time in Gainesville than Cleveland. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Gainesville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Gainesville than Cleveland. 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 Gainesville than Cleveland 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 Gainesville.


  • How many days in Gainesville or Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Gainesville or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Gainesville. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gainesville has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse city of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Gainesville. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Gainesville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The under-rated city of Cleveland offers shopping and museums. 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 Cleveland?

Gainesville is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. 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, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Cleveland? 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 Cleveland


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 Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Cleveland $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $91
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $91
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $182

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36
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

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour: $75
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $44
    Cleveland $40
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:

  • Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $15
  • Private Snorkeling Tour in Florida Springs: $250
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $23
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Erie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gainesville or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Gainesville during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Gainesville. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Cleveland. The shopping scene are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In the autumn, Gainesville is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In October, Gainesville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cleveland. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Gainesville is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Gainesville

Gainesville Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)