A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Gainesville vs. Miami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Gainesville or Miami?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Miami, 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 Miami?

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.

Miami

Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.

Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.

Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.

Which place is cheaper, Miami or Gainesville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $215, while the average daily cost in Miami is $206. 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 Miami in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Miami? 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 Miami


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 Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $41
    Miami $38

Typical Local Transportation prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Miami International Airport & PortMiami Transfer: $25
  • Miami Everglades Experience Airboat Ride, Wildlife Show, and Bus Transfer: $50
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $56
  • Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $59
  • Key West Transfer with free hotel pickup + Upgrades: $60
  • Miami & Key West: One-Way Transfer by Motor Coach Bus: $62
  • Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $63
  • Private Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami Beach : $68
  • Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Ride with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Everglades National Park & Airboat tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer to Miami Airport (Departures): $75
  • Arrival Miami Airport Private Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Miami?

Prices for flights to both Miami 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
    Miami $41
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

Typical Food prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

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

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour : $55
  • Little Havana Food Tour: $55
  • Cuban Food Tour in Little Havana: $69
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $69
  • South Beach Food Tour: $69
  • Cuban Coffee Experience (Cooking, Tasting) Afternoon Tour: $70
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $75
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $78
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $78
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Little Havana Food Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $20
    Miami $31
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 Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $6.04
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.39
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.39
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $8.37
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $8.52
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11
  • Wynwood Walls Admission Ticket : $12
  • Giant Fish Feeding Experience: $12
  • Wynwood Walls Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour in Florida Keys: $15
  • City Self-Guided App-Based Driving Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Miami $22

Typical Alcohol prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Gainesville and Miami, we can see that Gainesville 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.

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Miami?

Miami is bigger, and its population is about 3 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the population of Gainesville vs. Miami, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Gainesville or Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Miami. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Miami in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

Miami 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 Miami. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Miami 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Miami. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In the autumn, Gainesville is cooler than Miami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Miami averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Miami. Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Miami 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Gainesville is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Miami. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Miami 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Gainesville during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Gainesville is cooler than Miami in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Miami 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Miami and Gainesville

Gainesville Miami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Gainesville vs. Miami Travel Comparison

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