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

Should you visit Houston or Berkeley?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Berkeley. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Berkeley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Berkeley, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Berkeley is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Berkeley is more touristy than Houston and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Houston different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Houston and Berkeley.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Houston or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berkeley is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Houston or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Houston and Berkeley.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Many people head to Berkeley for the nightlife scene. 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 Houston or Berkeley Better for Music?

Houston is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Berkeley is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Berkeley is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Berkeley?

Berkeley is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Berkeley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Houston or Berkeley Better for Families?

Houston 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.

Houston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Houston and Berkeley both good destinations for a couple.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Berkeley is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Houston or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Houston or Berkeley Better for Students?

Berkeley is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Berkeley. 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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berkeley can get you around easily. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Houston or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Houston?

How long in Houston or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Houston and Berkeley. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Berkeley than Houston. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Berkeley than Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston or Berkeley?

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

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 Houston or Berkeley?

Houston 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 Houston, 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 Houston or Berkeley?

Houston 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.

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 Houston or Berkeley?

Houston 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.

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 The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Berkeley?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Berkeley. Many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Houston is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Berkeley. Most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Houston is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

Houston is a little warmer than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berkeley. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Houston is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

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

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Houston