A Travel Price Comparison for California Berkeley vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Berkeley or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Monterey, 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.

Berkeley

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

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Monterey travel costs.

Berkeley and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Berkeley and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Berkeley different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Berkeley or Monterey.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Berkeley can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Berkeley and Monterey.

Dining out in Berkeley is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Berkeley or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Berkeley and Monterey.

Berkeley has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Monterey has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Berkeley or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Berkeley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Berkeley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Berkeley or Monterey Better for Beaches?

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

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Monterey?

Both Berkeley and Monterey are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Berkeley. 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Berkeley or Monterey More Beautiful?

Berkeley is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Berkeley or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. 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 Berkeley or Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Berkeley or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Berkeley or Monterey Better for Students?

Berkeley is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Berkeley is top-notch. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Berkeley or Monterey a more walkable city?

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Berkeley and Monterey. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Berkeley than Monterey. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Berkeley, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Berkeley. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Monterey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Berkeley or Monterey?

The city of Berkeley offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Berkeley or Monterey?

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

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

Five days in Berkeley or Monterey?

Berkeley 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.

Monterey 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.

A week in Berkeley or Monterey?

Berkeley 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.

Monterey 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Berkeley and Monterey, we can see that Berkeley 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 Berkeley Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Monterey?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Berkeley during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Berkeley is around the same temperature as Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Berkeley usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Monterey. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Berkeley is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berkeley in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Monterey. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berkeley or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Berkeley is generally around the same temperature as Monterey. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 50°F (10°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Berkeley usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Berkeley is around the same temperature as Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Monterey. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Berkeley