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

Should you visit Gainesville or Orlando?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Orlando, 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Gainesville and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Orlando?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orlando than Gainesville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Gainesville is known for its museums and nightlife. Orlando is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Orlando

Gainesville is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Gainesville or Orlando Better for Theater?

Gainesville
Orlando

Orlando is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Gainesville is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Gainesville is not a theatre destination.

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

Gainesville
Orlando

Orlando 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, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Orlando

Gainesville is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Gainesville for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.


Is Gainesville or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Gainesville
Orlando

Orlando is very popular for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Orlando?

Gainesville
Orlando

Orlando is notable for shopping. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Gainesville or Orlando Better for Christmas?

Gainesville
Orlando

Orlando is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Gainesville does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Gainesville does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Gainesville or Orlando Better for Families?

Gainesville
Orlando

Orlando is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Orlando is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Orlando

Gainesville and Orlando 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Gainesville or Orlando Better for Students?

Gainesville
Orlando

Gainesville is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.


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

Gainesville
Orlando

Gainesville is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Gainesville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Gainesville or Orlando a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Orlando

Gainesville is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Orlando?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gainesville than Orlando 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 Orlando? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Orlando 7

One day in Gainesville or Orlando?

In Gainesville, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining city of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.


A weekend in Gainesville or Orlando?

In Gainesville, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gainesville has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entertaining destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Orlando?

Gainesville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the entertaining city of Orlando. 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 Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gainesville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Gainesville. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. 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 city.


Which place is cheaper, Orlando or Gainesville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $221, while the average daily cost in Orlando is $321. 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 Orlando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Orlando $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Orlando $308
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Orlando

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Orlando? 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 Orlando


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 Orlando Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Orlando $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

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


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Area Hotels to Orlando Airport (MCO): $19
  • Orlando Airport: Private Transfer to-from Disney & Universal: $30
  • One Way Private Transfer from MCO to Orlando Hotels : $31
  • Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Transfers: $34
  • Train Transfer to Miami: $39
  • Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) to Sanford - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Sanford to Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Private transfer Orlando Airport - Hotels in Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private Transfer between Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private Transfer to Disney Area Hotels from MCO airport: $48
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Orlando - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Orlando to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Orlando?

Prices for flights to both Orlando 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
    Orlando $65
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 Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando: $38
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
  • Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
  • Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
  • Mango's LIVE! - Dinner & Show: $72
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Teatro Martini Dinner Show in Orlando: $79
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $44
    Orlando $204
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:

  • Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $15
  • Private Snorkeling Tour in Florida Springs: $250
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10

Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.

  • Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando: $6.65
  • Orlando Self-Guided Historic App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Orlando by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
  • Orlando Icon Park Adventure Room Ticket: $12
  • 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
  • Winter Park Scavenger Hunt: Winter Park Adventure: $12
  • Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Orlando, FL: $15
  • Lonely Dog Immersive Art Storytelling Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Orlando $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
  • Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl: $170
  • Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Orlando?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Orlando. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite rainy in Orlando. Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets less rain in July than Orlando. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Orlando 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Orlando in the Autumn?

Both Orlando and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Gainesville is cooler than Orlando. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Orlando averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Orlando. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Orlando 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Orlando in the Winter?

Both Orlando and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In January, Gainesville is generally cooler than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Orlando. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Orlando 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Orlando in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Orlando.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Orlando in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Orlando. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Orlando 72°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Orlando and Gainesville

Gainesville Orlando
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)