A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Berkeley vs. Seattle for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.

Where Should I go: Berkeley or Seattle?

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").

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Berkeley?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $190, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $205. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $131
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $262
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley or Seattle? 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 Berkeley


Hotels in Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Seattle $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland International Airport (OAK): $93
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to San Francisco Cruise Port in Business Car: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to SFO Airport in Business Car: $114
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to San Francisco Cruise Port in a Luxury Car: $124
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $127
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to SFO Airport in a Luxury Car: $133

Typical Local Transportation prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • One-Way Transfer: Cruise Piers to Airport or Airport Hotels: $28
  • One-Way Transfer: SeaTac Airport to Seattle Cruise Piers 66 & 91: $28
  • One-Way Transfer: SeaTac Hotels to Seattle Cruise Terminals : $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer In Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) : $40
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer(Seattle Airport To/From Seattle): $58
  • Seattle Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Executive Sedan : $63
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Seattle - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Seattle to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Seattle Hotels to Smith Cove Terminal Departure Transfer : $74
  • Seattle Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - Arrival Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer from Seattle hotels to Smith Cove Terminal : $74
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 day
    Berkeley $36
    Seattle $51
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
  • Berkeley New Year's Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $405

Typical Food prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $15
  • 2-Hour Signature Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $55
  • Seattle : Fun Cooking Classes With Chef Seamus: $55
  • Taste Pike Place Walking Food Tour: $63
  • Pike Place Market: Walking Food Tour: $66
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $67
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
  • Ballard Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Plant Based Food Tour in Pike Place Market: $76
  • Small Group Cooking Class: $83
  • Secret Food Tours Seattle: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Seattle $16

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
  • UC Berkeley Private 2 hour Walking Tour: $20
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $37
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $64
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Private Charter - Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay (2 hrs): $799
  • Private Charter - Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay (3 hrs): $899
  • Full-Day Private San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour: $1,120

Tours and Activities in Seattle

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

  • Experience Mining For Genuine Montana Sapphires in Seattle: $5.00
  • Historic Ballard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Seattle's Quirky History: $5.20
  • Self Guided 'Trolling for Treasures in Fremont' Solo Walking Tours: $6.50
  • Seattle's Space Needle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Space Needle Area Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Downtown Seattle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Everett by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Seattle by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Downtown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Uncover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Smith Tower Straight Up Observatory Access Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berkeley $13
    Seattle $16

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
  • Bay Area Brewery Tour: $307
  • Livermore Valley All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $515
  • Napa Valley All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $599
  • Sonoma Valley All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $599

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Seattle Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $39
  • Yakima craft brewery tour: $42
  • Bodacious Bordeaux Wine Tasting Pass in Woodinville: $45
  • Woodinville's Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
  • Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $227
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $228
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $320
  • Hourly City and or Wine Tours of Seattle Wa: $365


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.

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Seattle?

Seattle is bigger, and its population is about 5.7 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the population of Berkeley vs. 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 and the activities 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. 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Berkeley during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Seattle. 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Seattle. 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Berkeley

Berkeley Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 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.
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Berkeley vs. Seattle Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.