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

Should you visit Detroit or Berkeley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit 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.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Detroit and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Berkeley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit than Berkeley, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Detroit is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Berkeley is known for its museums & sights, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Berkeley is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berkeley is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Berkeley is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Berkeley has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Detroit or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Detroit and Berkeley.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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.

Is Detroit or Berkeley Better for Music?

Detroit is renowned for its music scene. However, Berkeley is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Berkeley is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Berkeley?

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

Berkeley is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Detroit or Berkeley Better for Families?

Detroit and Berkeley are both good destinations for the whole family.

Detroit is a family-friendly city. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

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 Detroit or Berkeley Better for Couples?

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

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Berkeley. 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.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

Is Detroit or Berkeley Better for Students?

Berkeley is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Berkeley can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Detroit or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Berkeley?

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

Families should spend more time in Berkeley than Detroit. 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 Detroit. 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 Detroit 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.

One day in Detroit or Berkeley?

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

In Berkeley, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Berkeley?

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

In Berkeley, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berkeley has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Berkeley?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Berkeley?

Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Berkeley?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit or Berkeley in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Detroit is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Berkeley in the Autumn?

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

In October, Detroit is generally cooler than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit 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 Detroit. Detroit is much colder than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Berkeley. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Detroit is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Detroit