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

Should you visit Berkeley or Edmonton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Edmonton, 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 quirky, progressive, and diverse city. Berkeley is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Berkeley travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Berkeley and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Berkeley or Edmonton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berkeley than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berkeley is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Also, Berkeley is famous for University of California Botanical Garden. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Berkeley different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berkeley
Edmonton

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Berkeley or Edmonton.

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Edmonton. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.


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

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Berkeley makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Berkeley or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Berkeley offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Edmonton?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Both Berkeley and Edmonton are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Berkeley. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Edmonton. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.


Is Berkeley or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Berkeley or Edmonton Better for Families?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley and Edmonton are both notable 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly city. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Berkeley or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley and Edmonton are both notable 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.

Edmonton is a nice destination for couples. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.


Is Berkeley or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Berkeley. 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.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Berkeley or Edmonton Better for Students?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley is a well-known place for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with students.

Berkeley is very popular with students. 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.

Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Edmonton has some public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.


Is Berkeley or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Berkeley
Edmonton

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Berkeley or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Berkeley than Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

Families should spend more time in Berkeley than Edmonton. 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 Edmonton. 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 Edmonton 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.


  • How many days in Berkeley or Edmonton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berkeley 2-3 
    Edmonton 1-2

One day in Berkeley or Edmonton?

The city of Berkeley offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

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

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


Five days in Berkeley or Edmonton?

Berkeley 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.

Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

Berkeley 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.

Edmonton 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Edmonton or Berkeley?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Berkeley Prices
    USA Prices
    Edmonton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Berkeley $217
    Edmonton $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $217, while the average daily cost in Edmonton is $191. 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 Berkeley and Edmonton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $131
    Edmonton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $262
    Edmonton $202
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Edmonton

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley or Edmonton? 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 Berkeley


Hotels in Edmonton


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices and Edmonton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Edmonton $79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:

  • Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG): $120
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels: $120
  • Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Edmonton?

Prices for flights to both Edmonton and Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $63
    Edmonton $27
Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $137
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $150

Typical Food Prices in Edmonton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Edmonton are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $7.26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Edmonton $91

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $15
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Experience Create your own jewelry workshop for beginners: $95
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $100
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $126

Tours and Activities in Edmonton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Edmonton are as follows:

  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $4.00
  • 3-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour With Guide: $4.02
  • Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Edmonton by Crazy Dash: $10
  • TELUS World of Science General Admission Ticket: $19
  • Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $44
  • 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $46
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $54
  • Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $62
  • E-Scooter City Highlights Tour | 2-Hour: $63
  • City Bike Tour, Highlights and River Valley: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berkeley $13
    Edmonton -

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

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

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175

Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group): $103


When comparing the travel costs between Berkeley and Edmonton, we can see that Berkeley 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 Berkeley Expensive? and Is Edmonton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Edmonton, 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.