Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Gainesville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. San Francisco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Gainesville or San Francisco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
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.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGainesville $215San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $215, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGainesville $119San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGainesville $238San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or San Francisco? 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.
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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gainesville $41San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (San Francisco Airport To/From San Francisco): $16
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco Airport to City: $35
- Private Transfer SFO Airport to/ from San Francisco: $43
- Private Departure Transfer to San Francisco Airport SFO: $44
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport SFO: $44
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco City to Airport: $55
- Round trip transfer in private vehicle from-to Airport in San Francisco: $59
- Private Transfer from SFO Airport: $66
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) Private Round trip Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer: Pier 27 Cruise Terminal to San Francisco International Airport: $99
- Private Transfer: San Francisco International Airport to San Francisco Pier 27 Cruise Terminal: $99
- Private Transfer from San Francisco International Airport to San Francisco Hotel: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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
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Food Meals for one dayGainesville $70San Francisco $46
Typical Food prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:
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Diner Breakfast for Two$17
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Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)$24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- SF: Mission District Mural Art and Food Tour with Tasting: $79
- Mission District Small Group Mural Art and Food Tour: $79
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $81
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $86
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $86
- San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $86
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Food Tour: North Beach, Chinatown & Beyond: $89
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gainesville $20San Francisco $46
Typical Entertainment prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:
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Manatee Tour for Two$98
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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
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- Embarcadero Self-Guided Audio Smartphone Tour: $5.99
- San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Private 1-Hour Walking Tour: $6.30
- The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Japantown & Stories: $6.99
- Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- San Francisco's Glen Park and Glen Canyon: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.55
- Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- San Francisco's Castro Neighborhood: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Secrets of Golden Gate Park Audio Tour: $7.99
- Design in the Financial District Audio Tour: $7.99
- Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour with App: $11
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGainesville $49San Francisco $22
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $45
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- San Francisco Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Napa and Sonoma Combo Wine Tour Including Castello Di Amorosa Winery: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
- Wine Tasting Experience in Napa and Sonoma Valley: $129
- The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
- From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
- The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
When comparing the travel costs between Gainesville and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco is bigger, and its population is about 5.8 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the population of Gainesville vs. San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as San Francisco. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In July, Gainesville is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 81°F (27°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGainesville 81°F (27°C)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Gainesville or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Gainesville is a little warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In October, Gainesville usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGainesville 71°F (22°C)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Gainesville or San Francisco in the Winter?
Both San Francisco and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Gainesville is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gainesville in January average around 54°F (12°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
Gainesville usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGainesville 54°F (12°C)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Gainesville or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and San Francisco. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 69°F (20°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
In April, Gainesville usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGainesville 69°F (20°C)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Gainesville
| Gainesville | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 54°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 69°F (20°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (139 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 56°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
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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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