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

Should you visit Cleveland or Berkeley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Berkeley, 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.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a quirky, progressive, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
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
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Berkeley?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Berkeley than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berkeley is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Berkeley is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Also, Berkeley is famous for University of California Botanical Garden. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cleveland
Berkeley

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Cleveland or Berkeley.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cleveland can be an interesting and educational experience. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Berkeley. 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 Cleveland or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Cleveland or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Cleveland or Berkeley Better for Music?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Berkeley is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Berkeley?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Cleveland or Berkeley Better for Families?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Cleveland and Berkeley are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Berkeley. 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 Cleveland or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.


Is Cleveland or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Cleveland or Berkeley Better for Students?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

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.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Berkeley is top-notch. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.


Is Cleveland or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Berkeley

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cleveland and Berkeley. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Berkeley than Cleveland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

Families should spend more time in Berkeley than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cleveland 1-3 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Cleveland or Berkeley?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Berkeley. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cleveland or Berkeley?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quirky destination of Berkeley. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Cleveland or Berkeley?

Cleveland 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Berkeley. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cleveland or Berkeley?

Cleveland 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 choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Cleveland?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cleveland is $132, 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 Cleveland and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland 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 Cleveland


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Berkeley $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

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


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36
    Berkeley $36
Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

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.
    Cleveland $40
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle: $25
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

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

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $16
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cleveland $45
    Berkeley $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cleveland Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Berkeley?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland 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 Cleveland or Berkeley?

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 Cleveland or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Berkeley. The summer months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In July, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cleveland usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cleveland is cooler than Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Cleveland during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berkeley in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. In the winter, Cleveland is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Cleveland usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Berkeley. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cleveland is generally cooler than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Cleveland

Cleveland Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)