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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Berkeley? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berkeley than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berkeley is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also home to University of California Botanical Garden. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Cincinnati and Berkeley.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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.


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

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berkeley. 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Berkeley is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Berkeley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.


Is Cincinnati or Berkeley Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Berkeley.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Berkeley offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Cincinnati or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Berkeley makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berkeley is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.


Is Cincinnati or Berkeley Better for Students?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berkeley can get you around easily. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Cincinnati or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Berkeley

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.


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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berkeley than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

Families should spend more time in Berkeley than Cincinnati. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Berkeley, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Cincinnati 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.


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

The city of Cincinnati offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the quirky city of Berkeley, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Berkeley, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Cincinnati 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.

Berkeley, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Cincinnati 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.

Berkeley is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. 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 Cincinnati and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $43
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $127
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Berkeley $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $7.75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati: $9.59
  • Queen of the West's Best - An Audio Tour: $12
  • Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $16
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati: $25
  • Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati Sights & Stories: $28

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
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $16
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68

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
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley 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 Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Berkeley?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Berkeley, 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Berkeley. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Berkeley. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cincinnati is generally cooler than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Cincinnati during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In the spring, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)