A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Berkeley for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

Where Should I go: Havana or Berkeley?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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").

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Havana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Berkeley Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Berkeley $217

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $217. 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 Havana and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Havana and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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 Havana


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices.

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

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Luxury Sprinter Limousine Van Transfer 13 Passenger: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Havana 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
    Havana $18
    Berkeley $63
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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.

  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $137
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

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

  • Private Walking Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • Epic Royalty Themed Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Antioch, CA: $10
  • A Spectacular Art Walk: Downtown Oak-tion Packed Adventure: $15
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $15
  • 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: $64
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Berkeley Food & Culture Tour: $79
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $100
  • Experience Create your own jewelry workshop for beginners: $110
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Berkeley $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

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 Havana and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Berkeley is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Berkeley?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Berkeley. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences.

Havana is much warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Havana usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Havana or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Havana as well as Berkeley. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Havana is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Havana in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Havana usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Havana or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Havana is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 21°C (70°F), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Havana or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Havana during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty.

Havana is much warmer than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Havana usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Berkeley. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Havana

Havana Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)