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

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. See Gainesville travel costs.

Key West

Key West is a bustling, active, and lively town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Key West 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. See Key West travel costs.

Gainesville and Key West: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


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 food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Gainesville attracts visitors for its museums and attractions 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
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?

Gainesville
Key West

Key West 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, Key West makes for a great culinary experience. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but 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.

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 Key West Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Key West

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?

Gainesville
Key West

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?

Gainesville
Key West

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?

Gainesville
Key West

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?

Gainesville
Key West

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
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 More Beautiful?

Gainesville
Key West

Key West is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gainesville or Key West Better for Families?

Gainesville
Key West

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?

Gainesville
Key West

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
Key West

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
Key West

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
Key West

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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West than Gainesville 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 Key West.


  • How many days in Gainesville or Key West? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Key West 5-7

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 quaint 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 quaint 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 eclectic 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Key West or Gainesville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Gainesville Prices
    USA Prices
    Key West Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gainesville $272
    Key West $832

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $272, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Key West in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Key West $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Key West

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Key West? 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 Key West


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 Key West Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Key West $51

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • Private Transfer from Key West Int Airport to Key West Port: $39
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Key West?

Prices for flights to both Key West 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 $121
    Key West $667
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $90
  • Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $93
  • Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
  • Old Town Secret Food Tour: $111
  • Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
  • The Hemingway Experience by Key West Food Tours: $185
  • Key West Fishing Charter: Catch your Dinner!: $875

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $44
    Key West $33
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

Tours and Activities in Key West

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

  • Key West History Audio Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Key West Smartphone guided Ghost Walking Tour App/GPS/EMF Reader: $7.75
  • Audio Tours to Walk, Bike, or Drive in Key West: $9.99
  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Easy Stroll (or Bike) Through Downtown Key West Audio Tour: $11
  • Road Trip through the Lower Keys Audio Tour: $11
  • Bike Key West Beaches and Back Roads Audio Tour: $11
  • Cruise Through Key West's Black History Audio Tour: $11
  • Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State: $12
  • Florida: Key West Overseas Highway App-Based Driving Tour: $14
  • Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Key West $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Key West

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

  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43


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.


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

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.


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

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.


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

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.


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

Typical Weather for Key West and Gainesville

Gainesville Key West
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)