A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Berkeley vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Berkeley or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Calgary, 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.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. Berkeley is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Berkeley travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Berkeley and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berkeley than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berkeley is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also home to University of California Botanical Garden. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Berkeley different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Berkeley. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Berkeley or Calgary?

Berkeley is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Berkeley. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Berkeley or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berkeley is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Berkeley or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Berkeley is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Calgary?

Berkeley is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Berkeley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Berkeley or Calgary More Beautiful?

Berkeley is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Berkeley is a beautiful place to visit, too. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Berkeley or Calgary Better for Families?

Berkeley and Calgary are both good destinations for the whole family.

Berkeley is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Calgary is a family-friendly city. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Berkeley or Calgary Better for Couples?

Berkeley and Calgary are both good to visit as a couple.

Berkeley is a good city for couples to visit. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Calgary is a nice destination for couples. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Berkeley or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berkeley is a great city to visit for backpackers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Berkeley or Calgary Better for Students?

Berkeley is well known for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Berkeley. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Calgary is not popular with students.

Is Berkeley or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Berkeley can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Berkeley or Calgary a more walkable city?

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Berkeley on foot is easy. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Berkeley Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Berkeley or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Berkeley than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Berkeley, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Calgary 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 Berkeley.

One day in Berkeley or Calgary?

In Berkeley, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Berkeley or Calgary?

In Berkeley, 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 Berkeley has to offer.

Calgary 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 Calgary, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Calgary?

Berkeley 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.

Calgary 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.

A week in Berkeley or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkeley and Calgary, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Berkeley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkeley than you might in Calgary.

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

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Calgary, 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.