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

Should you visit Dallas or Berkeley?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Berkeley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 Dallas or Berkeley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Berkeley, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dallas is more popular for its big city activities, while Berkeley is known for its impressive beauty. Berkeley is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas
Berkeley

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Dallas and Berkeley.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Berkeley can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dallas or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Berkeley

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Dallas and Berkeley.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Berkeley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Dallas or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Berkeley

Both Dallas and Berkeley are excellent when it comes to partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Berkeley?

Dallas
Berkeley

Both Dallas and Berkeley are excellent shopping destinations.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.


Is Dallas or Berkeley Better for Families?

Dallas
Berkeley

Dallas is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. 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 Dallas or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Dallas
Berkeley

Dallas is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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.

Is Dallas or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dallas
Berkeley

Berkeley is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.


Is Dallas or Berkeley Better for Students?

Dallas
Berkeley

Berkeley is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Berkeley is very popular with students. 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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas
Berkeley

Berkeley is renowned for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Berkeley has a great public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Dallas or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Dallas
Berkeley

Berkeley is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Berkeley. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Dallas 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 Dallas or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Dallas or Berkeley?

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Berkeley. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Berkeley?

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

Berkeley is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Berkeley?

Dallas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Dallas or Berkeley?

Dallas 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Berkeley. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano or Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $126
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Berkeley $36
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

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.
    Dallas $13
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Kennedy Assassination Walking Tour - Oswald Was Framed: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26

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
  • 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
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $26
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Dallas Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55

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 Dallas and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Berkeley?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dallas is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Dallas usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Dallas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dallas is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Berkeley. Many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dallas is cooler than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Dallas usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Berkeley. Most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dallas is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Dallas

Dallas Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)