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

Should you visit Berkeley or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Seattle, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Berkeley and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Berkeley. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is very popular for its theatre productions, music, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its shopping. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Berkeley different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle 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 Seattle?

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

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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Berkeley is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Berkeley is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Berkeley and Seattle.

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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Berkeley and Seattle.

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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is notable for its music scene. However, Berkeley is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Berkeley is not a live music destination.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Seattle?

Berkeley is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Families?

Berkeley and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Couples?

Berkeley and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Berkeley or Seattle Better for Students?

Berkeley and Seattle are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Berkeley is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Berkeley is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Berkeley has a great public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Berkeley or Seattle a more walkable city?

Berkeley is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Berkeley and Seattle. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

In Berkeley, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Seattle?

In Berkeley, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berkeley has to offer.

Seattle 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Seattle?

Berkeley is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, 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 comparing the travel costs between Berkeley and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Berkeley or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Berkeley is around the same temperature as Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In July, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Seattle. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berkeley or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Berkeley during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Berkeley is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berkeley in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Seattle. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Berkeley is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 50°F (10°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Seattle. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berkeley or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Berkeley is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Berkeley