A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Berkeley for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Nags Head or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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.

Nags Head

Other popular activities here include food.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a quirky, progressive, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nags Head and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Berkeley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Berkeley than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Berkeley is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Also, Berkeley is famous for University of California Botanical Garden. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Berkeley?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nags Head or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Nags Head or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Berkeley?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Berkeley Better for Families?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Berkeley is a family-friendly . 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 Nags Head or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Berkeley

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Berkeley make for a notable place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Berkeley makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nags Head or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for backpackers.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.


Is Nags Head or Berkeley Better for Students?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

Public transit in Berkeley is top-notch. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Berkeley

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Berkeley is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Berkeley. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

Couples should spend more time in Berkeley than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Nags Head or Berkeley?

The of Nags Head offers food. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Berkeley. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Berkeley?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Berkeley. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Berkeley?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky city of Berkeley. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nags Head or Berkeley?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This offers something for everyone.

Berkeley is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • 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 Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    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: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

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: $14
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    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
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Nags Head during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Berkeley. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Berkeley. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nags Head is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Berkeley. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In April, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Nags Head

Nags Head Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)