A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Gainesville or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or New Orleans, 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Gainesville and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Gainesville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Gainesville is known for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

The French Quarter

How is Gainesville different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Gainesville. 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is very popular for nightlife. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Gainesville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Gainesville or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is very popular for live music. However, Gainesville is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Gainesville is not a live music destination.

Is Gainesville or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is notable for its historic old town. However, Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or New Orleans?

Gainesville is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gainesville. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Gainesville or New Orleans Better for Families?

Gainesville is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Gainesville or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Gainesville and New Orleans are both good to visit as a couple.

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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Gainesville or New Orleans Better for Students?

Gainesville is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Gainesville. 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Gainesville is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Gainesville or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Gainesville and New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gainesville and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New Orleans than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

One day in Gainesville or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Gainesville. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the festive city of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Gainesville. This city 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the festive destination of New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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 New Orleans?

The active city of Gainesville 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.

The festive city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 New Orleans?

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

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 comparing the travel costs between Gainesville and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Gainesville during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Gainesville is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Gainesville or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Gainesville usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Gainesville