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

Should you visit Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Berkeley

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

Alexandria and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Berkeley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Berkeley. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Alexandria is very popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Alexandria different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alexandria
Berkeley

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Berkeley and Alexandria.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

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.


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

Alexandria
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Berkeley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Alexandria or Berkeley Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Berkeley

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Berkeley does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Berkeley?

Alexandria
Berkeley

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

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 Alexandria or Berkeley Better for Families?

Alexandria
Berkeley

Berkeley is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Berkeley offers lots of family activities. 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Berkeley

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

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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 Alexandria or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Alexandria or Berkeley Better for Students?

Alexandria
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria 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.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

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

Alexandria
Berkeley

Alexandria and Berkeley both offer world-class public transit to get you around.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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.


Is Alexandria or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Berkeley

Alexandria and Berkeley are world-class when it comes to walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Berkeley?

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

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

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

One day in Alexandria or Berkeley?

The beautiful city of Alexandria offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the quirky city of Berkeley, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Berkeley?

Alexandria 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alexandria, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Berkeley, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Alexandria or Berkeley?

Alexandria 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Berkeley?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. 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 Alexandria and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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 Alexandria


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $64
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Berkeley $36

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.

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • A Walk in Washington's Footsteps History Tour: $32
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

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: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $27
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $65
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scenic Sausalito Kayak Tour: Beginners Welcome : $85
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35

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 Alexandria and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Berkeley?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Berkeley in the Summer?

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

Alexandria is much warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Berkeley. Most visitors come to Alexandria for 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, Alexandria is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Berkeley. The winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, 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 Alexandria can be very cold. In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Berkeley in the Spring?

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

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Alexandria

Alexandria Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)