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

Should you visit Gainesville or Alexandria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Alexandria, 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 high energy, active, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Gainesville travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alexandria travel costs.

Gainesville and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Alexandria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Gainesville and Alexandria are roughly the same size, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is more popular for its nightlife. Alexandria is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Gainesville is well known for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Alexandria

Both Gainesville and Alexandria have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Gainesville can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.


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

Gainesville
Alexandria

Alexandria 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, Alexandria makes for a great culinary experience. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

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 Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Gainesville is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Gainesville or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Alexandria is very popular for its historic old town. However, Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria has a world-famous historical area. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Gainesville does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Alexandria?

Gainesville
Alexandria

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

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

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 Alexandria More Beautiful?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Alexandria is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gainesville or Alexandria Better for Families?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Gainesville is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Gainesville offers lots of family activities. 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.


Is Gainesville or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Alexandria is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Gainesville or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Gainesville or Alexandria Better for Students?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Gainesville is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Alexandria is not popular with students.


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

Gainesville
Alexandria

Alexandria is very popular for its public transit. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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

Is Gainesville or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Alexandria

Alexandria is very popular for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Gainesville or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Gainesville 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Gainesville or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Gainesville or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the active city of Gainesville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gainesville, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Alexandria. 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 Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Gainesville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Alexandria. 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 Alexandria?

Gainesville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The historic city of Alexandria offers shopping and museums. 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 Alexandria?

Gainesville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. 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 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, Alexandria 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
    Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gainesville $267
    Alexandria $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $267, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. 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 Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $115
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $230
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Alexandria? 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 Alexandria


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 Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $39
    Alexandria -

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
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 $43
    Alexandria -
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:

  • 2 Hour Guided Clear Glass Bottom Kayak Tour Gilchrist Blue Spring: $60
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69
  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?

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 Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Alexandria. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 81°F (27°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. In the winter, Gainesville is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gainesville in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Alexandria. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In April, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 69°F (20°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Gainesville

Gainesville Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)