San Giovanni is considered the area near the Duomo. In any case, not knowing the exact address, I’d say the areas are equally good. If you give the exact address that might give me a better idea, as some spots may be noisier than others. My suspicion is that the price difference is not due so much to the location (both are centrally located) but rather to the apartment itself. Maybe one is larger or with a view or overall of better quality..

Thank you for your input .. our trip will be a total of 10 nights (3 nights in Venice, 4 nights in Florence, 1 night in CT and 2 nights in Rome)

We would like to use the Florence location as a bit of a home base as we explore and experience the city and region to see the major sights & shop/experience the local markets (food and otherwise). We have already booked a cooking tour in Tuscany ( https://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Cooking-Class-and-Lunch-at-a-Tuscan-Farmhouse-with-Local-Market-Tour-from-Florence/d519-5070FARMHOUSE ) and looking for a wine/olive oil tour (have not found one yet) to see more of Tuscany.

Here is a link to the two places in Florence I would like some help to choose between based on our plans. Unsure, if being closer to the train station will help with our walkability and also to the local food markets ??

1 - https://www.vrbo.com/988727

2 - https://www.vrbo.com/378966

Then off to explore Cinque Terre (CT) to spend a night in:

1 Riomaggiore (https://www.allamarina.com/index-en.php ) OR

2 Manarola (https://www.olimpoaffittacamere.com/english/index.html)

Also, debating to see the Leaning Tower before or after CT on a quick stopover (leaving luggage at the train station) ??

I know this sounds like a lot ..we are hoping to maximize our sights and experiences and planning to be very active.

Any suggestions and input would be appreciated.

we discovered San Lorenzo which is close to the Doumo and its very very nice