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

Should you visit Gainesville or Dallas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Dallas, 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Gainesville and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Gainesville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum. Gainesville is famous for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Dallas

Both Gainesville and Dallas have excellent 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 Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.


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

Gainesville
Dallas

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Dallas

Evening events are excellent in both Gainesville and Dallas.

Gainesville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Dallas has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Dallas?

Gainesville
Dallas

Dallas is notable for shopping. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Gainesville. 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.


Is Gainesville or Dallas Better for Families?

Gainesville
Dallas

Dallas is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Gainesville or Dallas Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Dallas

Dallas is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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.

Is Gainesville or Dallas Better for Students?

Gainesville
Dallas

Gainesville is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Gainesville is very popular with students. 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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.


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

Gainesville
Dallas

Both Gainesville and Dallas 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.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Gainesville or Dallas a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Dallas

Gainesville is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Gainesville or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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


  • How many days in Gainesville or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Gainesville or Dallas?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the upscale city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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 food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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 active city of Dallas 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 Dallas?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. 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, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano or Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Dallas to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
  • Transfer private car from Dallas Airport (DAL) - City Center: $71
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $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

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $44
    Dallas $13
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 Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Kennedy Assassination Walking Tour - Oswald Was Framed: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine Admission Ticket: $27
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gainesville is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gainesville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

It's quite rainy in Gainesville. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Dallas. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Gainesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In October, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 71°F (22°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 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) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Dallas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gainesville is much warmer than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Dallas. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Dallas. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gainesville in April average around 69°F (20°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 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) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Gainesville

Gainesville Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)