Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Berkshires?
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 Berkshires or Berkeley?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Berkshires and Berkeley can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Berkshires or Berkeley?
Berkshires
The Berkshires are a popular highland destination in the western part of Massachusetts and northwest Connecticut. The region has scenic landscape, hiking, lakes, recreational opportunities and other outdoor experiences. The Berkshires also has an impressive cultural scene with music, arts, museums, and live theaters.
The Berkshires can be a bit expensive to visit if you stay at a luxury resort and take advantage of the award winning restaurants in the area. Alternatively, the experience can be equally rewarding by camping, picnicking, and spending your time hiking and enjoying the beautiful natural setting.
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").
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Berkshires Prices
USA PricesBerkeley Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBerkshires $297Berkeley $217
The average daily cost (per person) in Berkshires is $297, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $217. 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 Berkshires and Berkeley in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBerkshires $141Berkeley $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBerkshires $282Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Berkshires and Berkeley
Looking for a hotel in Berkshires or Berkeley? 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: Berkshires Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Berkshires $47Berkeley $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:
- Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to Oakland by SUV: $270
- Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
- Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Berkshires or Berkeley?
Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Berkshires 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 dayBerkshires $126Berkeley $63
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Berkshires $25Berkeley $30
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBerkshires $31Berkeley $13
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 Berkshires and Berkeley, we can see that Berkshires 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 Berkshires would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkshires 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 Berkshires Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Berkshires or Berkeley?
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 Berkshires or Berkeley in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkshires and Berkeley. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Berkshires is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berkshires in July average around 72°F (22°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In July, Berkshires usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Berkshires gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBerkshires 72°F (22°C)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Berkeley in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Berkshires as well as Berkeley. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.
In October, Berkshires is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Berkshires average around 51°F (11°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Berkshires usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBerkshires 51°F (11°C)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Berkeley in the Winter?
Both Berkeley and Berkshires are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Berkshires in the winter. Berkshires is much colder than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Berkshires averages around 22°F (-6°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
In January, Berkshires usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Berkshires gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBerkshires 22°F (-6°C)Berkeley 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Berkeley in the Spring?
Both Berkeley and Berkshires during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Berkshires is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berkshires in April average around 47°F (9°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).
Berkshires usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBerkshires 47°F (9°C)Berkeley 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Berkeley and Berkshires
| Berkshires | Berkeley | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 35°F (2°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 47°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 67°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 62°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 51°F (11°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 41°F (5°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.