A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Gainesville vs. Islamorada for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Gainesville or Islamorada?

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

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

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Gainesville and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Gainesville and Islamorada are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is known for its museums & sights and nightlife. Islamorada is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Islamorada

Gainesville is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its sights and museums.

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.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.


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

Gainesville
Islamorada

Islamorada 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, Islamorada makes for a great culinary experience. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Islamorada

Gainesville is a great city for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Gainesville has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

Gainesville
Islamorada

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.


Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gainesville
Islamorada

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Gainesville
Islamorada

Islamorada is notable for its beaches. However, Gainesville is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Gainesville
Islamorada

Both Gainesville and Islamorada 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 Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.


Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Families?

Gainesville
Islamorada

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

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Islamorada

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

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada Better for Students?

Gainesville
Islamorada

Gainesville is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is not popular with students.


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

Gainesville
Islamorada

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

While Gainesville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Islamorada

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known 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.

Islamorada is not a walkable city. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Both Gainesville and Islamorada have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gainesville than Islamorada 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 Islamorada? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Islamorada 4-7

One day in Gainesville or Islamorada?

With museums and nightlife around the high energy 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing village of Islamorada. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Islamorada?

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 relaxing destination of Islamorada. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This village offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Gainesville or Islamorada?

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Gainesville or Islamorada?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Islamorada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this village.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Islamorada 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 Islamorada is $145. 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 Islamorada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Islamorada $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Islamorada $158
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Islamorada

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Islamorada? 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 Islamorada


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 Islamorada Hotel Prices.

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Islamorada?

Prices for flights to both Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $47
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $44
    Islamorada $19
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
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.

  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • Sunset Cruise Bayside of island & Millionaire homes : $86
  • Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $160
  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $225
  • Private Full-Day Tour of Florida Keys from Miami Key Largo to Key West: $260
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Islamorada $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Islamorada?

Gainesville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

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 Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Islamorada. The summer months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gainesville is cooler than Islamorada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Islamorada averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Gainesville is generally much colder than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Islamorada. Furthermore, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Gainesville is cooler than Islamorada in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In April, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Gainesville

Gainesville Islamorada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)