Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Berkeley?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Berkeley or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Kailua-Kona, 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.
Where Should I go: Berkeley or Kailua-Kona?
Berkeley
Berkeley is considered to be perhaps the most progressive or liberal city in the United States. The town has deep roots in the Free Speech movement of the 1960s. Visitors, students, and locals alike will find an eclectic mix of cultures and viewpoints. The city's free-thinking environment has witnessed the creation of quality attractions, great food from many world cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley (also known as "Cal" or "Cal Berkeley").
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Berkeley Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBerkeley $217Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $217, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBerkeley $131Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBerkeley $262Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Berkeley or Kailua-Kona? 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.
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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Berkeley $30Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
- Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
- Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to Oakland by SUV: $270
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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
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Food Meals for one dayBerkeley $63Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Berkeley
Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:
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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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Berkeley $30Kailua-Kona $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBerkeley $13Kailua-Kona $15
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 Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Berkeley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berkeley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berkeley 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona than you might in Berkeley.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Berkeley Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Kailua-Kona?
Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Berkeley or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Berkeley is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berkeley in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In July, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBerkeley 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Berkeley or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Berkeley during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.
In October, Berkeley is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
Berkeley usually gets less rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBerkeley 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Berkeley or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Berkeley is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Berkeley usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBerkeley 50°F (10°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Berkeley or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Berkeley is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berkeley in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
Berkeley usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBerkeley 58°F (14°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Berkeley
| Berkeley | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.