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

Should you visit Berkeley or Santa Fe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Santa Fe, 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. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Berkeley and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Santa Fe?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Fe than Berkeley. While Berkeley is larger than Santa Fe, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, music, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Berkeley is more touristy than Santa Fe and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Berkeley different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Berkeley is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Berkeley is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Berkeley or Santa Fe?

Berkeley is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Berkeley specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Berkeley and Santa Fe.

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 Santa Fe. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Berkeley has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Berkeley is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Santa Fe active and fun. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Berkeley is not a live music destination.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Fe to see the historical old town. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

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

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Santa Fe?

Both Berkeley and Santa Fe are excellent 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 Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Berkeley and Santa Fe are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Berkeley is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly city. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Berkeley and Santa Fe are both nice to visit as a couple.

Berkeley is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known 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.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Berkeley is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for students.

Berkeley is very popular with students. 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.

Santa Fe is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

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

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Berkeley can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Berkeley or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its walkability.

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

Santa Fe is very walkable. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Santa Fe?

In either Berkeley or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Berkeley because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Berkeley, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe?

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 historic town of Santa Fe offers museums and skiing. 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.

A weekend in Berkeley or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this historic town 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 Santa Fe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Berkeley or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe 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 historic town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Santa Fe?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Santa Fe, 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.