A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Berkeley for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Cod or Berkeley?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cape Cod and Berkeley. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Berkeley travel costs.

Cape Cod and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Both Berkeley and Cape Cod have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Cape Cod different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berkeley and Cape Cod. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Berkeley. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Cod and Berkeley can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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.

Is Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Berkeley for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Cape Cod is notable for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cape Cod. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Cod and Berkeley both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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.


Is Cape Cod or Berkeley More Beautiful?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Cape Cod 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, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

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 Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Families?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Berkeley is a family-friendly beach destination. 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 Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

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

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cape Cod or Berkeley Better for Students?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod is not popular with students.

Many students visit Berkeley. 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.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.

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

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.


Is Cape Cod or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Cape Cod
Berkeley

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Berkeley. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Cod 5-7 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 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.

A weekend in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.


Five days in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Cod, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A week in Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Cod has to offer. This beach destination offers something for everyone.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Cape Cod?

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

  • Cape Cod Prices
    USA Prices
    Berkeley Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Cod $227
    Berkeley $217

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $227, 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 Cape Cod and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Cod $92
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Cod $184
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Cape Cod and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod 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.

Hotels in Cape Cod


Hotels in Berkeley


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Cod $50
    Berkeley $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 Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Cod or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $103
    Berkeley $63

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.
    Cape Cod $27
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • Moby Dick's New Bedford Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Provincetown SelfGuided Flaming Hot History GPSAudio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Provincetown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Cape Cod & Provincetown Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $22
  • Lucinda Liphol Provincetown Cemetery Tour: $30
  • The Lucinda Liphol Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Provincetown West End History Tour : $38
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $46
  • The Pilgrim Monument Tour- From Harbor to Heights: $52
  • Highland House and Cape Cod Lighthouse Tour: $58
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park on Cape Cod: $63

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Cod $19
    Berkeley $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 comparing the travel costs between Cape Cod and Berkeley, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cape Cod or Berkeley?

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 Cape Cod or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Cape Cod during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cape Cod is a little warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cape Cod usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Berkeley. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cape Cod is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Berkeley. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. In January, Cape Cod is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in January than Berkeley. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty.

Cape Cod is much colder than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In April, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Cape Cod

Cape Cod Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)