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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Berkeley?

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

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

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Minneapolis and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Berkeley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Berkeley, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Minneapolis is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Berkeley is known for its food and impressive beauty. Berkeley is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Minneapolis and Berkeley.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Berkeley. 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 Minneapolis or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Minneapolis or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

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

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Berkeley?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Minneapolis is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Berkeley. 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.


Is Minneapolis or Berkeley Better for Families?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Minneapolis and Berkeley are both good to visit as a couple.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

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 Minneapolis or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.


Is Minneapolis or Berkeley Better for Students?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Both Minneapolis and Berkeley are superb destinations for students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Berkeley is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is Minneapolis or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Minneapolis
Berkeley

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.


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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Berkeley. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

Couples should spend more time in Berkeley than Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis 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.


  • How many days in Minneapolis or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Minneapolis 2-4 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Minneapolis or Berkeley?

The city of Minneapolis offers food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the progressive city of Berkeley. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Berkeley?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quirky destination of Berkeley. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Berkeley?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping 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.

The progressive city of Berkeley offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Minneapolis or Berkeley?

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Minneapolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $206, 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 Minneapolis and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minneapolis $110
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minneapolis $220
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis


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: Minneapolis Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minneapolis $43
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139

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: $81
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $64
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Minneapolis or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40
    Berkeley $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minneapolis $27
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Minneapolis by Wacky Walks: $10
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $16
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

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: $27
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $65
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scenic Sausalito Kayak Tour: Beginners Welcome : $85
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minneapolis $24
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100

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 comparing the travel costs between Minneapolis and Berkeley, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Berkeley?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Berkeley in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Minneapolis is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Berkeley in the Autumn?

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

In October, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Minneapolis is much colder than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Berkeley. Many visitors come to Minneapolis 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, Minneapolis is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Minneapolis

Minneapolis Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)