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

Should you visit Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff 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.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a adventurous , picturesque, and active city. Flagstaff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Flagstaff travel costs.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Berkeley travel costs.

Flagstaff and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • 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 Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Flagstaff than Berkeley. While Berkeley is larger than Flagstaff, Flagstaff has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Flagstaff is very popular for its hiking, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Flagstaff is famous for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. It is also well known for Walnut Canyon National Monument. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Flagstaff different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.


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

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Both Flagstaff and Berkeley offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Flagstaff is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

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 Flagstaff or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Berkeley is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Flagstaff or Berkeley Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

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

Known for its hiking, Flagstaff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Flagstaff or Berkeley More Beautiful?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

You'll find a similar quality of nice scenery and beauty in both Flagstaff and Berkeley.

Flagstaff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. While the city itself isn't exactly beautiful, the surrounding landscapes are surreal and 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 Flagstaff or Berkeley Better for Families?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Flagstaff 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.

Flagstaff is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

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 Flagstaff or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Both Flagstaff and Berkeley are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Flagstaff is a good city for couples to visit. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

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 Flagstaff or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Flagstaff and Berkeley are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Flagstaff is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Flagstaff or Berkeley Better for Students?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for students. However, Flagstaff is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Flagstaff is not popular with students.


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

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Berkeley has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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 Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Flagstaff or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Flagstaff
Berkeley

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Berkeley on foot is easy. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Flagstaff?

How long in Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Flagstaff and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Flagstaff than in Berkeley. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Flagstaff, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Flagstaff 2-4 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Flagstaff or Berkeley?

The city of Flagstaff offers food and shopping. 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.

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.


A weekend in Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Flagstaff 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Flagstaff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quirky 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.

Five days in Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Flagstaff is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky 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.

A week in Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Flagstaff is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 city offers something for everyone.

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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Flagstaff?

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

  • Flagstaff Prices
    USA Prices
    Berkeley Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Flagstaff $207
    Berkeley $217

The average daily cost (per person) in Flagstaff is $207, 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 Flagstaff and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Flagstaff $86
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Flagstaff $172
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Flagstaff and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff


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: Flagstaff Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Flagstaff $37
    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 Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Flagstaff 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
    Flagstaff $95
    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.
    Flagstaff $28
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Flagstaff's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Flagstaff AZ: $15
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Full-Day Self-Guided Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Sedona: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Grand Canyon South Rim: $20
  • Forbidden Frights of Flagstaff Ghost Tour: $24
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Forbidden Frights of Flagstaff Ghost Tour: $26
  • Southside Flagstaff Haunted History, True Crime & Ghost Tour: $28
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
  • Mountain Town of Madness, Adults Only Tour: $28

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Flagstaff $29
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl: $50
  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $60

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 Flagstaff and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley 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 Flagstaff Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Flagstaff or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Flagstaff and Berkeley, 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.