Which city is cheaper, Jacksonville or Gainesville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Gainesville vs. Jacksonville for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Gainesville or Jacksonville?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?
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.
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGainesville $172Jacksonville $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $172, while the average daily cost in Jacksonville is $176. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Gainesville and Jacksonville in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGainesville $95Jacksonville $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGainesville $190Jacksonville $148
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Jacksonville
Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Jacksonville? 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.
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 Jacksonville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gainesville $32Jacksonville $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gainesville
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gainesville:
- Private Transfer from Gainesville to Port Canaveral: $658
- Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $676
- Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- JAX Airport Transfer to Downtown Jacksonville: $97
- Airport to Hotel Jacksonville Private Transfer: $125
- Jacksonville Private Transfer - Hotel to Airport: $125
- JAX Airport Transfer to Jacksonville Beach: $129
- JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $129
- JAX Airport Transfer to Ponte Vedra Beach: $149
- Jacksonville City to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
- JAX Airport Transfer to St Augustine: $215
- Private Jacksonville to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $300
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $328
- Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Jacksonville?
Prices for flights to both Jacksonville 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
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Food Meals for one dayGainesville $56Jacksonville $77
Typical Food prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:
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Diner Breakfast for Two$17
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Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)$24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Progressive Dinner in Jacksonville for 2 to 6 People: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gainesville $16Jacksonville $16
Typical Entertainment prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:
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Manatee Tour for Two$98
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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: $14
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $37
- Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville: $55
- Jacksonville Residential Architecture & History Tour: $55
- Public Art Tour in Jacksonville: $60
- Ride To Jax Port Cruise Terminal: $60
- Ride From Jax Port Cruise Terminal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGainesville $39Jacksonville $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- Jax Urban Core Brewery Tour in Jacksonville: $48
When comparing the travel costs between Gainesville and Jacksonville, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
When is the best time to visit Gainesville or Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville in the Summer?
Both Jacksonville and Gainesville during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Temperatures in Gainesville average around 81°F (27°C), and Jacksonville stays around 82°F (28°C).
Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGainesville 81°F (27°C)Jacksonville 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Gainesville or Jacksonville in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Jacksonville.
Gainesville is around the same temperature as Jacksonville in the autumn. The temperature in Gainesville is usually 71°F (22°C) in October, and Jacksonville stays around 70°F (21°C).
In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGainesville 71°F (22°C)Jacksonville 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Gainesville or Jacksonville in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Jacksonville.
In the winter, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gainesville in January are around 54°F (12°C), and Jacksonville is about 53°F (12°C).
Gainesville usually gets less rain in January than Jacksonville. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGainesville 54°F (12°C)Jacksonville 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Gainesville or Jacksonville in the Spring?
Both Jacksonville and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Temperatures in Gainesville average around 69°F (20°C), and Jacksonville stays around 68°F (20°C).
In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGainesville 69°F (20°C)Jacksonville 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Gainesville
| Gainesville | Jacksonville | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 54°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 69°F (20°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (139 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Dec | 56°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
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