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

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Should you visit Durham 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 Durham and Berkeley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Durham or Berkeley?

Durham

Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.

Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.

Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.

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 place is cheaper, Berkeley or Durham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $162, 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 Durham and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $92
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $184
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Durham and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Durham 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 Durham


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: Durham Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durham $33
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland International Airport (OAK): $93
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to San Francisco Cruise Port in Business Car: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to SFO Airport in Business Car: $114
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to San Francisco Cruise Port in a Luxury Car: $124
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $127
  • Departure Private Transfer Oakland to SFO Airport in a Luxury Car: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Durham or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Durham 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
    Durham $44
    Berkeley $36

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
  • Berkeley New Year's Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $405

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

Tours and Activities in Durham

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

  • Durham NC: Art Walking Tour: $20

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
  • UC Berkeley Private 2 hour Walking Tour: $20
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $29
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $64
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Private Charter - Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay (2 hrs): $799
  • Private Charter - Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay (3 hrs): $899
  • Full-Day Private San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour: $1,120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durham $34
    Berkeley $13

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
  • Bay Area Brewery Tour: $307
  • Livermore Valley All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $515
  • Napa Valley All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $599
  • Sonoma Valley All-Inclusive Wine Tour: $599

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Berkeley?

Durham is bigger, and its population is about 2 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the population of Durham vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Durham 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 Durham or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Durham is much warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Durham or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Durham usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Durham 61°F (16°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Durham or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Berkeley.

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Durham usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Durham 40°F (5°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Durham or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Berkeley.

Durham is a little warmer than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Durham usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Durham 60°F (16°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Durham

Durham Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
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Durham vs. Berkeley Travel Comparison

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