A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Berkeley for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Berkeley

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

Bar Harbor and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
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


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Berkeley than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Berkeley is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Berkeley is well 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.

How is Bar Harbor different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Berkeley is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bar Harbor and Berkeley.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Berkeley has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Berkeley is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Berkeley offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.


Is Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Both Bar Harbor and Berkeley are high quality shopping destinations.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Berkeley is well-known for its shopping. 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 Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Both Bar Harbor and Berkeley are notable to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Berkeley is a family-friendly coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

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

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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 Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Berkeley is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town 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.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.


Is Bar Harbor or Berkeley Better for Students?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Berkeley is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Berkeley can take you anywhere. 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 Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Bar Harbor or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for its walkability. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

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

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

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

One day in Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 progressive 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 Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Bar Harbor 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 coastal town 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Bar Harbor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, 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 Bar Harbor and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $57
    Berkeley $36
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

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: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Berkeley $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $7.60
  • Ocean Path: Acadia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $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: $12
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $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
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $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 comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Berkeley, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Berkeley. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Berkeley. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)