A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Berkeley for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit New Bern or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Berkeley? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

New Bern

New Bern is a charming, laid back, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See New Bern travel costs.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a quirky, progressive, and diverse city. Berkeley is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Berkeley travel costs.

New Bern and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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 New Bern or Berkeley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Berkeley than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Berkeley is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is more popular for its small town charm. Berkeley is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Also, Berkeley is famous for University of California Botanical Garden. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Berkeley?

New Bern
Berkeley

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

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.


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

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is New Bern or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Berkeley?

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.


Is New Bern or Berkeley More Beautiful?

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Berkeley Better for Families?

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Berkeley. 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Berkeley Better for Couples?

New Bern
Berkeley

With fun activities for couples, both New Bern and Berkeley make for a notable place to visit.

New Bern is a nice destination for couples. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Berkeley makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 New Bern or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

Is New Bern or Berkeley Better for Students?

New Bern
Berkeley

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

New Bern is not popular with students.

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

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.


Is New Bern or Berkeley a more walkable city?

New Bern
Berkeley

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berkeley than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

Couples should spend more time in Berkeley than New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in New Bern or Berkeley?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 New Bern or Berkeley?

New Bern 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 New Bern or Berkeley?

New Bern 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.

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 New Bern or Berkeley?

New Bern 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 town 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or New Bern?

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

  • New Bern Prices
    USA Prices
    Berkeley Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Bern $169
    Berkeley $217

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $169, 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 New Bern and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in New Bern 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 New Bern


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: New Bern Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    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 New Bern or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and New Bern 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
    New Bern $70
    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.
    New Bern $26
    Berkeley $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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Bern and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 Berkeley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkeley than you might in New Bern.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New Bern Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Bern or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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.


When is the best time to visit New Bern 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 New Bern or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Berkeley. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Bern is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 80°F (27°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Berkeley. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Bern 80°F (27°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Berkeley. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

New Bern is around the same temperature as Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Bern 65°F (18°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, New Bern is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Bern in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Berkeley. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Bern 44°F (7°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and New Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In April, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 62°F (16°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Bern 62°F (16°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and New Bern

New Bern Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (169 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 7.6 inches (192 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)