A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gainesville vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Gainesville or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Toronto, 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. See Gainesville travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Toronto travel costs.

Gainesville and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Gainesville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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.


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

Gainesville
Toronto

Toronto 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, Toronto makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Toronto

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

Toronto is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Toronto?

Gainesville
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for shopping. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto Better for Families?

Gainesville
Toronto

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

Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Toronto Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Toronto

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

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gainesville
Toronto

Toronto is notable for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

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 Toronto Better for Students?

Gainesville
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for students. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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.

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

Gainesville
Toronto

Toronto 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.

Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Toronto

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

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Toronto?

Both Gainesville and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto 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 Toronto.


  • How many days in Gainesville or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Gainesville or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Gainesville or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a cultural city where you can fill many days. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.


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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gainesville $267
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $267, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $249. 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 Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $115
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $230
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Toronto? 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 Toronto


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 Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $39
    Toronto $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

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


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.58
  • Private Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $39
  • Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
  • Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotel & Air B&B Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Airport (YYZ): $43
  • Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto: $43
  • Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
  • Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
  • Sedan Departure Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ: $59
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Richmond Hill Black Car Service: $60
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $64
  • Toronto Pearson Airport: Transfer to/from Niagara Falls: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto 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
    Toronto $112
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 Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

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

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
  • French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $80
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $43
    Toronto $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:

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.26

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.58
  • Old Town Toronto Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $4.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour: $4.44
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.44
  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.74
  • Discover Toronto's Waterfront with a Smartphone Trivia Tour!: $8.12
  • Historical Ghost Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Hamilton: $8.99
  • Toronto Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Toronto by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Toronto Audio Tour:Maple Delights in Toronto Audio Tour Adventure: $15

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
  • Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54


When comparing the travel costs between Gainesville and Toronto, 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

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

Gainesville is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gainesville. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Gainesville or Toronto in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Gainesville is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Toronto. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) 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) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Gainesville or Toronto in the Winter?

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

Toronto can be very cold during winter. In January, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Gainesville or Toronto in the Spring?

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

Gainesville is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Toronto. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) 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) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Gainesville

Gainesville Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)