Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Berkeley?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Berkeley? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Kansas City or Berkeley?
Kansas City
A large, mid western city that sits on the border between Missouri and Kansa, Kansas City has a population of about 450,000. It's not exactly a tourist destination, but it is a surprisingly beautiful city with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world with the exception of Rome. Most of the city's suburbs are concentrated in the south but the city is beginning to grow to the north as well. The climate in Kansas City can vary dramatically, in large part because it is so far from any form of water. Winters can range from mild to extremely cold and snow is not uncommon. Spring and fall and quite comfortable but summer months can be incredibly hot and humid.
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 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKansas City $161Berkeley $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, 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 Kansas City and Berkeley in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Berkeley $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Berkeley
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City 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.
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: Kansas City Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Berkeley $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:
- Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
- Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
- Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $127
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $43
- Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Berkeley?
Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Kansas City 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
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Food Meals for one dayKansas City $47Berkeley $36
Typical Food Prices in Berkeley
Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Berkeley $30
Tours and Activities in Berkeley
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
- Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
- Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
- Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
- Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $16
- Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
- Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
- Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Berkeley $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
- Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Kansas City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kansas City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kansas City 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 Kansas City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kansas City Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Berkeley?
Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City or Berkeley in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Berkeley. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Kansas City is much warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Kansas City usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Berkeley in the Autumn?
Both Berkeley and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Kansas City is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In October, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Berkeley in the Winter?
Both Berkeley and Kansas City during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kansas City can be very cold during winter. In January, Kansas City is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
Kansas City usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Berkeley 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Berkeley in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Berkeley. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.
Kansas City is around the same temperature as Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
In April, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Berkeley 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Berkeley and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Berkeley | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 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.