Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Berkeley?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Berkeley or Fairfield?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Fairfield, 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.
Where Should I go: Berkeley or Fairfield?
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").
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBerkeley $190Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $190, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. 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 Berkeley and Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBerkeley $131Fairfield $97
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBerkeley $262Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Berkeley or Fairfield? 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 and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Berkeley $30Fairfield -
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
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $126
- Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield and Berkeley 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 dayBerkeley $36Fairfield $30
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
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
-
El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
-
Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Berkeley $30Fairfield $13
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: $16
- Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
- Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
- Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBerkeley $13Fairfield -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkeley and Fairfield, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Berkeley Expensive? and Is Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Fairfield?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Fairfield, 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 Berkeley or Fairfield?
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 Berkeley or Fairfield in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Fairfield. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.
In the summer, Berkeley is cooler than Fairfield. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berkeley in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Fairfield averages at about 73°F (23°C).
Berkeley usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBerkeley 63°F (17°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Berkeley or Fairfield in the Autumn?
Both Fairfield and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Berkeley is generally around the same temperature as Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In October, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBerkeley 63°F (17°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Berkeley or Fairfield in the Winter?
Both Fairfield and Berkeley during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Berkeley is a little warmer than Fairfield in the winter. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Berkeley usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Fairfield. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBerkeley 50°F (10°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Berkeley or Fairfield in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Fairfield. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Berkeley is around the same temperature as Fairfield. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berkeley in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Fairfield averages at about 56°F (13°C).
In April, Berkeley usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fairfield. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBerkeley 58°F (14°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Berkeley
| Berkeley | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 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.