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

Should you visit Gainesville or Winnipeg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Winnipeg, 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 vibrant, high energy, and active city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Gainesville travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Gainesville and Winnipeg: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Winnipeg?

Both Winnipeg and Gainesville have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Winnipeg is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections. Gainesville is famous for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Both Gainesville and Winnipeg have high quality 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 Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.


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

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Both Gainesville and Winnipeg offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Gainesville offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Winnipeg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Gainesville or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Winnipeg

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

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 Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Winnipeg?

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Both Gainesville and Winnipeg are nice shopping destinations.

Gainesville is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Winnipeg. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Gainesville or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Gainesville and Winnipeg are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Gainesville is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly city. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Gainesville or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Gainesville and Winnipeg are both nice 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.

Winnipeg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Gainesville or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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 Winnipeg Better for Students?

Gainesville
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

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

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Gainesville is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Gainesville or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Winnipeg

Gainesville is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.


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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Gainesville or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg.

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


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

One day in Gainesville or Winnipeg?

The city of Gainesville offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Gainesville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gainesville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the welcoming destination of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Gainesville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The cultural city of Winnipeg 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.


A week in Gainesville or Winnipeg?

Gainesville is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winnipeg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gainesville $267
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $267, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $115
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $230
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg $9.33
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
    Winnipeg $2.52
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 Winnipeg

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

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

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


When comparing the travel costs between Gainesville and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Winnipeg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gainesville is a little warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gainesville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).

Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Winnipeg. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Gainesville or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

Both Winnipeg and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 71°F (22°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In October, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Gainesville or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winnipeg can be very cold during winter. Gainesville is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Winnipeg. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Gainesville or Winnipeg in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Gainesville is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gainesville in April average around 69°F (20°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In April, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Gainesville

Gainesville Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)