Which place is cheaper, Monterey or Berkshires?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Berkshires or Monterey?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Berkshires and Monterey can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Berkshires or Monterey?
Berkshires
The Berkshires are a popular highland destination in the western part of Massachusetts and northwest Connecticut. The region has scenic landscape, hiking, lakes, recreational opportunities and other outdoor experiences. The Berkshires also has an impressive cultural scene with music, arts, museums, and live theaters.
The Berkshires can be a bit expensive to visit if you stay at a luxury resort and take advantage of the award winning restaurants in the area. Alternatively, the experience can be equally rewarding by camping, picnicking, and spending your time hiking and enjoying the beautiful natural setting.
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBerkshires $244Monterey $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Berkshires is $244, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $170. 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 Berkshires and Monterey in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBerkshires $141Monterey $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBerkshires $282Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Berkshires and Monterey
Looking for a hotel in Berkshires or Monterey? 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: Berkshires Hotel Prices and Monterey Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Berkshires $47Monterey $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Berkshires or Monterey?
Prices for flights to both Monterey and Berkshires 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
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Food Meals for one dayBerkshires $73Monterey $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Monterey
For Monterey, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Berkshires $25Monterey $27
Tours and Activities in Berkshires
Here are a few actual costs in Berkshires for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Guided Private Forest Bathing Experience Lenox: $40
Tours and Activities in Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- San Fran Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App: $7.30
- Self-Guided John Steinbeck Walking Tour with Audio: $7.99
- Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
- Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour: $60
- Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $65
- Cannery Row Kayak Tour: $65
- Whale Watching Cruise: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBerkshires $31Monterey $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkshires and Monterey, we can see that Berkshires is more expensive. And not only is Monterey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monterey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monterey 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 Berkshires would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkshires than you might in Monterey.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Berkshires Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Berkshires 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 Berkshires or Monterey in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Berkshires as well as Monterey. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Berkshires is a little warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berkshires in July average around 72°F (22°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).
Berkshires usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Berkshires gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBerkshires 72°F (22°C)Monterey 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Monterey in the Autumn?
Both Monterey and Berkshires are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Berkshires is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Berkshires average around 51°F (11°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In October, Berkshires usually receives more rain than Monterey. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBerkshires 51°F (11°C)Monterey 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Monterey in the Winter?
Both Monterey and Berkshires during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Berkshires can get quite cold in the winter. Berkshires is much colder than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Berkshires averages around 22°F (-6°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Berkshires usually gets less rain in January than Monterey. Berkshires gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBerkshires 22°F (-6°C)Monterey 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Monterey in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkshires and Monterey. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.
In the spring, Berkshires is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berkshires in April average around 47°F (9°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).
In April, Berkshires usually receives more rain than Monterey. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBerkshires 47°F (9°C)Monterey 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Monterey and Berkshires
| Berkshires | Monterey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 35°F (2°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 47°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 67°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 62°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 51°F (11°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 41°F (5°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.