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

Should you visit Berkeley or Hope?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Hope, 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Berkeley travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a local, small, and friendly town. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Berkeley and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Berkeley or Hope?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Berkeley than Hope, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Berkeley is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hope is more popular for its hiking. Berkeley is more touristy than Hope and is popular 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. Hope is well known for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Berkeley different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is a great city for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Berkeley specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


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

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Berkeley or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is a great city for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Berkeley has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Berkeley or Hope Better for Hiking?

Berkeley
Hope

Hope is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Hope is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Hope?

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is a great city for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Berkeley or Hope More Beautiful?

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Berkeley or Hope Better for Families?

Berkeley
Hope

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

Hope is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. 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.


Is Berkeley or Hope Better for Couples?

Berkeley
Hope

Hope is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Hope is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Berkeley or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley
Hope

Both Berkeley and Hope are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Hope is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Is Berkeley or Hope Better for Students?

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not popular with students.


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

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berkeley can get you around easily. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Berkeley or Hope a more walkable city?

Berkeley
Hope

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Hope is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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

Should I spend more time in Hope or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Hope?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Berkeley and Hope. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Berkeley than Hope. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Berkeley than Hope. 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 Hope 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 Hope? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berkeley 2-3 
    Hope 2-3

One day in Berkeley or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Berkeley. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Hope offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


A weekend in Berkeley or Hope?

Berkeley is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Berkeley or Hope?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the progressive destination of Berkeley. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hope 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 Hope?

The progressive city of Berkeley offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Hope is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope 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
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Berkeley $217
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $217, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $131
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $262
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley or Hope? 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 Hope


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 Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Hope -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope 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
    Hope $38
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Hope -

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

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

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

Tours and Activities in Hope

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

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berkeley $13
    Hope $10

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkeley and Hope, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Hope.

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


Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Hope?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Hope, 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 Berkeley or Hope?

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 Berkeley or Hope in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Hope. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hope because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Berkeley is around the same temperature as Hope. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berkeley in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Hope averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in July than Hope. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Hope 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Berkeley or Hope in the Autumn?

Both Hope and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

In October, Berkeley is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Hope fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. In October, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Hope. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Hope 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Berkeley or Hope in the Winter?

Both Hope and Berkeley during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hope for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hope. Berkeley is much warmer than Hope in the winter. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Berkeley usually gets less rain in January than Hope. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C) 
    Hope 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Berkeley or Hope in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Hope. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Berkeley is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berkeley in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Hope averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Hope. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C) 
    Hope 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Hope and Berkeley

Berkeley Hope
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)