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

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Should you visit Boston or Berkeley?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston and Berkeley. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Boston or Berkeley?

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

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").

Which city is cheaper, Berkeley or Boston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $203, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $152. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boston and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boston $132
    Berkeley $105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boston $264
    Berkeley $210
Compare Hotels in Boston and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Boston or Berkeley? 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 Boston


Hotels in Berkeley


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: Boston Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boston $28
    Berkeley $24
Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Boston Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Boston Airport: $30
  • Airport Transfer by Private Car Service: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer Boston Airport to Boston City: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer from Boston City to Boston Airport: $60
  • Private Airport Transfer: Logan International Airport (BOS) to Boston: $64
  • Arrival Private Transfer Boston Airport BOS to Boston Business or Luxury Vehicle: $67
  • Departure Private Transfer Boston to Boston Airport BOS Business-Luxury Vehicle: $67
  • Boston Logan International Airport Private Transfer: $68
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Airport (BOS) to City Downtown: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Boston 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
    Boston $40
    Berkeley $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • Boston's North End "Little Italy" Pizza, Cannoli, and Freedom Trail Walking Tour: $49
  • Boston's North End Small-Group Walking Food Tour: $71
  • Fenway Neighborhood Food Tour (Boston): $79
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $81
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Boston North End: $103
  • Spirit of Boston Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $105
  • Boston Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $118
  • Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $122
  • North End Neighborhood Food Tour: $150

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.

  • Learn to Make New Orleans-Style Gumbo in a Private Berkeley Cooking Class: $66
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boston $26
    Berkeley $24
Typical Entertainment prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

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

  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $3.95
  • Self-Guided Boston Christmas Tour: $4.50
  • The Great Cannoli Tour: $5.00
  • Boston Harborwalk & Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Boston's Freedom Trail - Smart Phone guided (GPS) walking tour - go anytime: $5.00
  • The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
  • Boston's Freedom Trail, 3 tours in 1, Smart Phone Guided Tour (GPS) - go anytime: $7.99
  • Freedom Trail Best Tour (Boston Common to Faneuil Hall): $15
  • Boston Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Freedom Trail Walking Tours: $16
  • Tour of The Freedom Trail: $16
  • Downtown Freedom Trail Walking Tour in Boston: $20

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boston $22
    Berkeley $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic Pub Crawl Tour along the Freedom Trail: $56
  • Sip of Boston Guided Brewery Tour: $90

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Berkeley, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Berkeley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berkeley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berkeley 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Berkeley.


When is the best time to visit Boston or Berkeley?

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 Boston or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Boston is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°C), and Berkeley stays around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Boston usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boston 73°F (23°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Boston or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Boston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Boston is cooler than Berkeley in the autumn. The temperature in Boston is usually 54°F (12°C) in October, and Berkeley stays around 63°F (17°C).

Boston usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Boston or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Berkeley. The winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. In the winter, Boston is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January are around 29°F (-2°C), and Berkeley is about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Boston usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boston 29°F (-2°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Boston or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boston as well as Berkeley. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In April, Boston is generally much colder than Berkeley. Temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Berkeley stays around 58°F (14°C).

Boston usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boston 48°F (9°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Boston

Boston Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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Boston vs. Berkeley Travel Comparison

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