A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Gainesville vs. Key West for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Gainesville or Key West?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Key West, 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.

Key West

Key West is a bustling, active, and lively town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Gainesville and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Key West?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Gainesville and Key West are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Gainesville attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Gainesville is famous for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Gainesville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Gainesville and Key West offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Gainesville offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Key West has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Is Gainesville or Key West Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Gainesville and Key West.

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.

Key West has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Is Gainesville or Key West Better for Resorts?

Key West is notable for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Is Gainesville or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Key West has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gainesville or Key West Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Key West. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is Gainesville or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Key West is notable for its historic old town. However, Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Key West to see the historical old town. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Key West?

Gainesville is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Gainesville offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Gainesville or Key West Better for Families?

Key West 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.

Key West is a very family-friendly place to visit. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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 Key West Better for Couples?

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

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West Better for Students?

Gainesville and Key West are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

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

Gainesville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Gainesville or Key West a more walkable city?

Gainesville and Key West both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Key West or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Key West?

Both Gainesville and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

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

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

One day in Gainesville or Key West?

The city of Gainesville offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky town of Key West. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Key West?

Gainesville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gainesville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the bustling destination of Key West. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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 Key West?

Gainesville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the lively town of Key West. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Key West?

Gainesville is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Gainesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gainesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gainesville 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Gainesville.

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

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Key West?

Gainesville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Key West, 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 Key West?

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 Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gainesville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Key West averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Gainesville. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Key West. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gainesville or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West and Gainesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gainesville is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 71°F (22°C), and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Key West. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Gainesville or Key West in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Key West. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

Gainesville is much colder than Key West in the winter. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Key West. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gainesville or Key West in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Key West. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gainesville is cooler than Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gainesville in April average around 69°F (20°C), and Key West averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Key West and Gainesville