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

Should you visit Gainesville or Lewisburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Lewisburg, 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Gainesville travel costs.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a quaint, charming, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for shopping and museums. See Lewisburg travel costs.

Gainesville and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Lewisburg?

Both Lewisburg and Gainesville have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Gainesville is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife, while Lewisburg is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Lewisburg is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its historical charm and friendly personality. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Lewisburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


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

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Gainesville or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville is well known for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Gainesville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Gainesville or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lewisburg to see the historical old town. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Gainesville does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Lewisburg?

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Both Gainesville and Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Gainesville or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville and Lewisburg are both good destinations for the whole family.

Gainesville is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lewisburg is a family-friendly city. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.

Is Gainesville or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville is a popular place for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Gainesville is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.


Is Gainesville or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville is well known for students. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Gainesville is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Lewisburg. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

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

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gainesville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Gainesville or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Lewisburg

Gainesville and Lewisburg both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.


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

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Gainesville or Lewisburg to fill your time. In our opinion, Gainesville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Gainesville than Lewisburg. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Gainesville or Lewisburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Gainesville. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gainesville has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint town of Lewisburg. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Lewisburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Gainesville. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Lewisburg. This town 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 Lewisburg?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Gainesville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The quaint town of Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?

Gainesville is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Lewisburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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, Lewisburg 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
    Lewisburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gainesville $272
    Lewisburg $161

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $272, while the average daily cost in Lewisburg is $161. 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 Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Lewisburg? 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 Lewisburg


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Lewisburg $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg 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
    Lewisburg $59
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
    Lewisburg $18
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

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Lewisburg?

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

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 Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Lewisburg. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lewisburg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Lewisburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Lewisburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Lewisburg. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Lewisburg because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Gainesville is much warmer than Lewisburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Lewisburg. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lewisburg in the winter. In January, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Lewisburg in the Spring?

Both Lewisburg and Gainesville during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Lewisburg for the small town charm.

Gainesville is much warmer than Lewisburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Lewisburg. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Gainesville

Gainesville Lewisburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)