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

Should you visit Austin or Berkeley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Berkeley, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Berkeley

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

Austin and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Berkeley?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Berkeley. Austin is bigger than Berkeley, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is better known for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Berkeley is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Berkeley is more touristy than Austin and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Austin different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Austin and Berkeley have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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.

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

Austin is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Berkeley has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Austin or Berkeley Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for its music scene. However, Berkeley is not a live music destination.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Berkeley is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Berkeley Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Berkeley?

Berkeley is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Austin or Berkeley Better for Families?

Austin and Berkeley are both notable destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

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.

Is Austin or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Austin and Berkeley are both notable to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

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 Austin or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin and Berkeley are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Many 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.

Is Austin or Berkeley Better for Students?

Austin and Berkeley are superb places to visit for students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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.

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

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berkeley can get you around easily. 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 Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Austin or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Austin?

How long in Austin or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Berkeley. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Berkeley. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Berkeley 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 Austin.

One day in Austin or Berkeley?

The city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Berkeley. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Berkeley?

Austin 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 Austin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Berkeley is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Berkeley?

Austin 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Berkeley?

Austin 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive destination of Berkeley. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Austin.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Berkeley?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Berkeley. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In July, Austin is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Austin usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Berkeley. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Austin is a little warmer than Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Austin is around the same temperature as Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Austin is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Austin