Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Newton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Newton or Berkeley?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newton and Berkeley can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Newton or Berkeley?
Newton
Newton, a large suburb of Boston, consists of 13 villages or neighborhoods: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Lower Falls, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Upper Falls, Waban, and West Newton. It's a good sized city with a population of over 80,000. Each village has its own historical and architectural character. Many of the villages were founded around railroad stations when the Boston & Worcester line opened in 1833 along the north side of the city. Another railroad line started along the south side of town in 1851. It's now the "D" line of the MBTA's Green Line. Walking tours of most villages are available and recommended for history buffs.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
-
Newton Prices
USA PricesBerkeley Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNewton $166Berkeley $217
The average daily cost (per person) in Newton is $166, 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 Newton and Berkeley in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNewton $82Berkeley $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNewton $164Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Newton and Berkeley
Looking for a hotel in Newton 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: Berkeley Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Newton $80Berkeley $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 Newton or Berkeley?
Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Newton 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 dayNewton $43Berkeley $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.Newton -Berkeley $30
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 dayNewton -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 Newton and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Newton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newton 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 Newton.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Newton Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Newton or Berkeley?
Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Newton. When comparing the sizes of Newton 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 Newton 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 Newton or Berkeley in the Summer?
Both Berkeley and Newton during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences.
Newton is a little warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Newton averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Newton usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Newton gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNewton 73°F (23°C)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Newton or Berkeley in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newton and Berkeley. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Newton is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newton in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In October, Newton usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Newton gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNewton 54°F (12°C)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Newton or Berkeley in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Newton as well as Berkeley. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Newton can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Newton is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Newton average around 29°F (-2°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
Newton usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Newton gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNewton 29°F (-2°C)Berkeley 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Newton or Berkeley in the Spring?
Both Berkeley and Newton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty.
Newton is much colder than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Newton averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
In April, Newton usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Newton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNewton 48°F (9°C)Berkeley 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Berkeley and Newton
| Newton | Berkeley | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.