A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Berkeley vs. Ketchikan for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Berkeley or Ketchikan?

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

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

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Berkeley and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Berkeley, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Berkeley is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Berkeley is well known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Berkeley different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berkeley is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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.

Is Berkeley or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Berkeley has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Berkeley or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Ketchikan?

Berkeley is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Berkeley is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Berkeley or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

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.

Is Berkeley or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Berkeley or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Berkeley is notable for students. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is renowned for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Berkeley has a great public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Berkeley or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Berkeley is renowned for its walkability. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Ketchikan is a very walkable city. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Berkeley and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Berkeley than Ketchikan. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Berkeley, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Berkeley. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Ketchikan offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the progressive destination of Berkeley. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Berkeley or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Berkeley. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Berkeley is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ketchikan 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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkeley and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Ketchikan?

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

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Berkeley is a little warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berkeley in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berkeley or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Berkeley during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In October, Berkeley is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Berkeley usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Ketchikan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. Berkeley is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berkeley or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Berkeley is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berkeley in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Berkeley usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Berkeley